Formerly classified as Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum, the Texas Cichlid now belongs to the genus Herichthys. These fish are Central American Cichlids, native to the Rio Grande drainage area in both the southern U.S. and Mexico. This species is the only Cichlid native to the United States and though it is primarily found near Texas, introduced populations now exist in Florida. Texas Cichlids are sometimes referred to as Pearl Cichlids, named for the reflective, pearl-like spots covering their bodies. These fish exhibit a variety of colorations ranging from brownish gray to blue. Adults of the species typically exhibit two small black spots – one at the base of the caudal fin and another near the middle of the body – and mature males develop a bump on their heads.