HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishCichlidsChairel cichlid Chairel cichlid (Herichthys pantostictus) Scientific name: Herichthys pantostictus Taylor & Miller, 1983 The Chairel cichlid (Herichthys pantostictus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 17–28°C (63–82°F). Native range: North America, Atlantic slope of northern Mexico, in the Panuco River drainage from the Sabinas River to the coastal Laguna Tamiahua. Chairel cichlid care at a glanceTemperature17–28°C (63–82°F) BiologyPrefers coastal lacustrine environment which is slightly salty and turbid and which has mud or sand bottom. Feeds primarily on aquatic and terrestrial insects but also takes small fishes when available. Adults spawn among exposed roots at the lagoon edges and produce about 400-500 eggs.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameHerichthys pantostictusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length12.6Common length5.6EnvironmentFreshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.5 - ? benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionNorth America: Atlantic slope of northern Mexico, in the Panuco River drainage from the Sabinas River to the coastal Laguna Tamiahua.Conservation status (IUCN)Vulnerable (VU) (A1c, B1+2c)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026