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The Texas Cichlid, also known as the Rio Grande Perch, and the Rio Grande Cichlid, is an iridescent golden color with pearl highlights and white dots on its body and fins. There are several black spots at the base of the caudal fin and along the middle, rear half of the body. The juveniles have an iridescent pearl-gray body with white dots on the body and fins. There is a black dot at the base of the caudal fin and one in the center of the body. It is also leaner in size.

The Texas Cichlid requires a tank of at least 50 gallons, with a fine sand bottom. There should be rocks and roots for hiding places. The plants should be hardy, as the Texas Cichlid will burrow around and attack them. The Texas Cichlid uses floating plants as a cover. The tank should be divided into territories using hardy plants if possible. The Texas Cichlid is sensitive to old water and requires frequent changes of 1/4 to 1/2 of the water weekly. It is territorial, so care should be taken when choosing tank mates. Choose other more aggressive fish to share an aquarium with the Texas Cichlid.

It is difficult to distinguish between the male and female Texas Cichlid. The females are less brightly colored and usually smaller then the males. Older males will develop a cranial bump typical in some cichlids. Neutral water of soft to medium hardness and temperatures of 77-82°F are recommended. The Texas Cichlid is an open breeder that needs well-oxygenated water. It spawns on cleaned rocks, laying up to 500 eggs. The fry are suspended from stones and guarded by both parents. The Texas Cichlid is not as diligent a parent as some cichlids and may eat their spawn.

The Texas Cichlid is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

Ideal tank mates include similar sized: Other South American Cichlids, Plecos, Scavenger Catfish and similar sized, miscellaneous fish.