rio-grand-perch
Species Facts

Science Name: Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum
Other Names: Guinea perch, Rio Grande cichlid, Texas cichlid
Ideal Temp: 80 F
Description

Description The sides are bluish green to gray, with light speckles. The fins are long and flowing. The small mouth is well equipped with sharp buckteeth. Mature males have a steeply humped forehead.

Table Quality The white, flaky meat is considered very good eating. But the black lining of the body cavity should be removed to avoid a strong taste.

Sporting Qualities Rio Grande perch are wary and not easily fooled by artificial lures. The best baits are small crayfish, worms and minnows. When caught on light tackle, they are strong, determined fighters with surprising stamina.

Habitat Primarily river fish, Rio Grande Perch are sometimes found in lakes connected to river systems. Like sunfish, they are normally found near weeds, submerged timber, riprap or other types of heavy cover. Rio Grande perch prefer a water temperature of about 80F. They are intolerant of cold water and cannot survive temperatures below 55. As a result, they often congregate around springs and heated discharges.

Food Common food items include aquatic insect larvae, small fish and fish eggs. Rio Grande perch are considered pests in some areas because they wage group attacks on the nests of bass and sunfish, consuming large numbers of eggs and fry.

Spawning Habits Spawn in late spring or early summer at a water temperature of about 70F. Males construct a nest, and both parents assist in guarding the young.

Age and Growth Stream populations of Rio Grande perch are often stunted because of over-crowding, but where they have more space and a good food supply, 2- pounders are not unusual.