Fish Spotlight: Rio Grande Cichlid

For our first Fish Spotlight, TFFF is going to introduce you to the Rio Grande Cichlid.  It is the fish that we have dedicated 2021 to, with The Year of the Rio! If you haven't checked out the Year of the Rio yet, be sure you do.  

Fish Spotlight: Rio Grande Cichlid

Photograph courtesy of Mike Schlimgen

Appearance

Also known as Texas Cichlid, Rio Grande Perch, Texas Bluespots, and Mojarra de Norte, the Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is distinctive in its appearance from any other species native to Texas.  It's scientific name means "blue spotted" in Greek, due to the cream and turquoise spots that stand out against the fish's grayish olive body.  Their coloration often varies from darker at the tail to lighter toward the head.  During spawning periods, the males heads can almost turn white.  There are often 5 dark vertical bars present, and the males often become more colorful that their female partners.  Another distinctive aspect of male Rios is a large "bump" or "hump" that they develop on their foreheads. 

Photo courtesy of Odom Wu

The Rio Grande Cichlid is typically under 10 inches in length, but can grow longer.  The Texas state record measured 2.02 lbs and just over 11 inches long, caught by Chuck Dewey on Lake Dunlop (Guadalupe River) in 2011.  The state fly fishing record is 1.59 lbs and 12 inches in length, caught by William Carrington on the Llano River in 2001.

Photo courtesy of Josh Wright

Behavior

Rio's typically spawn in warm, shallow water during the early spring.  The fish are typically monogamous, and will both work together to defend their nests and young against predators. They can be aggressive, opportunistic feeders, typically feeding on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and often consume large amounts of the eggs of other fish.

Painting by Nathan Brown

Distribution

The Rio Grande Cichlid are the only native member of the cichlid family to Texas (or America for that matter.)  They are native only to the lower stretches of the Rio Grande River system and possibly also the Nueces River.  They have since been introduced throughout other river systems in Texas and have taken a strong foothold in the Texas Hill Country.  Much of this Hill Country population started due the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Fish Cultural Station at San Marcos bringing the fish to the Guadalupe River drainage system in 1928.  Rio's were release from there in both 1929 and 1941, and have since increased in numbers in the waters of the Edwards Plateau.   

Photo courtesy of Chris Fleury

The Rio Grande Cichlid has since spread to other areas in Texas.  It has also spread to other states where the fish has become a problem invasive species, driving out and out competing local, native fish.  Louisiana particularly has seen a problem with the number of Rio's that have taken hold around New Orleans.  Rio's are also know as "pioneer" fish, because their introduction can pave the way for other non-native fish to take footholds in areas where they have spread.  If you catch a Rio in areas where they have become a problem, don't feel bad keeping them for dinner, they are supposed to be a fine table fare. 

Photo courtesy of Pat Kellner

Head out and catch yourself a uniquely Texas fish, and make sure to check out our Year of the Rio Contests!

Photo courtesy of Xavier Jaime (from YOTRio2021 Photo Contest)

Flies for Rios

Five Must Have Flies for Rio Grande Cichlid

Rio Getter Variation
Jigged Bead Head Wooly Bugger
Tying the SMP Fly

Other Posts on Rio Grande Cichlid

Year of the Rio Photo Contest

2021 Year of the Rio

Do you enjoy Texas Freshwater Fly Fishing?  If so, you can support TFFF by making purchases at Flydrology.com  Your support helps keep Texas Freshwater Fly Fishing up and running, with quality content and a great Facebook group!

Further Reading

Texas Parks and Wildlife: Rio Grande Cichlid

USGS: Herichthys cyanoguttatus (Rio Grande Cichlid)

The University of Texas Biodiversity Blog: FEATURED SPECIES: Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)

Texas State University, Texas Freshwater Fishes: Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum, Rio Grande cichlid

Texas Parks and Wildlife: State Freshwater Records