What is the difference between a texas cichlid and pearlscale cichlid

[Andyy328]

I have little knowledge of these two fish i only ask this because an online fish store has a Pearlscale listed and says in the description that its also known as a "Texas cichlid" yet they also have a Texas cichlid listed with no mention of pearlscale in the description and yet they both look so similar in photos
id be grateful if someone with the knowledge on these fish could tell me lol

 

[Rocksor]

The true Texas cichlid, exists in Texas, and has other names such as Rio grande perch. The scientific name for the true Texas cichlid is Herichthys cyanoguttatus. The spots are much smaller than the Pearscale cichlid, which is sometimes called the Texas cichlid. The pearscale cichlid, or lfs Texas cichlid, does not come from Texas at all. They are a Central American cichlid with the scientific name Herichthys carpintis. The spots are much larger. What sucks is that pearscale cichlid can be found being used for both cyanoguttatus and carpintis, confusing the issue more.

You can blame the fish stores for the confusion, and creation of hybrids between cyanoguttatus and carpintis. They just didn't know these were 2 different species. As you search for pictures of H. cyanoguttatus (Texas cichlid), and you will find they do look different than H. carpintis.

 

[Deadeye]

The common Texas is h. Cyanoguttatus. Pearlscale is h. Carpintis. Carpintis have larger spots, typically called a carpintis or electric blue Texas. The name Texas is usually cyano.
Edit: Rocksor beat me to it (with a much more detailed answer)

 

[Rocksor]

I'm waiting for duanes to provide us his pictures (or anyone else who has owned both species).

 

[Andyy328]

The true Texas cichlid, exists in Texas, and has other names such as Rio grande perch. The scientific name for the true Texas cichlid is Herichthys cyanoguttatus. The spots are much smaller than the Pearscale cichlid, which is sometimes called the Texas cichlid. The pearscale cichlid, or lfs Texas cichlid, does not come from Texas at all. They are a Central American cichlid with the scientific name Herichthys carpintis. The spots are much larger. What sucks is that pearscale cichlid can be found being used for both cyanoguttatus and carpintis, confusing the issue more.

You can blame the fish stores for the confusion, and creation of hybrids between cyanoguttatus and carpintis. They just didn't know these were 2 different species. As you search for pictures of H. cyanoguttatus (Texas cichlid), and you will find they do look different than H. carpintis.

Thanks for explaining it to me its much clearer now after reading your reply both gorgeous regardless yet has caused me so much confusion when looking online

 

[Deadeye]

Definitely a fish worth getting for both color and personality. I only had a juvie Texas for a few weeks but it was amazing.

 

[duanes]

Back when I first entered the hobby, the pearl scale or pearl cichlid was usually applied to Geophagus braziliensus.

But common names vary from place to place and are often bantered about for any number of species.
These days I have heard the moniker pearl cichlid used for any number of the Herichthys genus (which includes the Texas Cichlid H. cyanocuttatus) and a number of geophagines.
This is why it is always best to acquire cichlids from a place that uses a scientific name.
Below is Herichthys carpintus, often referred to as a Texas Cichlid, but also the pearl cichlid, but does not come from Texas, so to me, a ridiculous application.

Below Herichthys tamasopoensis, also often called a Texas or pearl Cichlid, but comes no where near Texas

If one uses common names, one should only expect to get the right fish, maybe 50% of the time.

 

[duanes]

One of the most common cichlids people get hot and bothered about, when they get the opposite of what they wanted usngi the common name Red Terror.
There are 2 species that are often sold as a red terror, Mayaheros uropthalmus, and Mesoheros festae.
In fact M uropthalmus was the first to be called a red terror, and was imported as that, almost a decade before M festae showed up in the trade.
And some people think they look alike

Above a pair of Mesoheros festae.
Below Mayaheros uropthalmus, video in nature.
Azul imovie edit

 

[RD.]

ack when I first entered the hobby, the pearl scale or pearl cichlid was usually applied to Geophagus braziliensus.

Ditto, and in these parts pearl cichlid is still used by some wholesalers as a trade name for brazilliensus, so caveat emptor.


Pearl Cichlid – Geophagus Brasiliensis – Tropical Fish Site

 

[Deadeye]

Ditto, and in these parts pearl cichlid is still used by some wholesalers as a trade name for brazilliensus, so caveat emptor.


Pearl Cichlid – Geophagus Brasiliensis – Tropical Fish Site

Same here. I only ever see carpintis as carpintis or electric blue Texas.