Which freshwater fish is commonly known as the Texas cichlid?

Herichthys cyanoguttatus is the freshwater fish commonly known as the Texas cichlid.

It is native to the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas and northeastern Mexico, making it the only cichlid naturally found in the United States. Adults have blue-green spotting and can become strongly territorial, especially while breeding.

The species inhabits rivers, streams, and other warm freshwater environments. Its tolerance of varied conditions has helped it establish introduced populations in some areas, including parts of the southern United States.

The Texas cichlid is sometimes confused with closely related Herichthys species, particularly the green Texas cichlid, Herichthys carpintis. Those species can look similar and have overlapping aquarium names. The scientific name Herichthys cyanoguttatus is the precise identification for the original Texas cichlid.