The genus Geophagus contains some two dozen or so species which primarily are found in South America with the exception of one species,
G. crassilabris from Panama. These cichlids are relatively peaceful with most of their time spent sifting through the detritus looking for food. Some species can be aggressive and one in particular is G. brasiliensis also known as the
pearl cichlid. Use this page as a resource to find Geophagus for sale and visit frequently.
Geophagus species truly come in different body shapes, sizes and coloration's. Some have very long filamentous extensions of their fins while some display large developed nuchal humps of their heads like the token
Redhump Eartheater, Geophagus
steindachneri.
Geophaginae range in size from medium to fairly large cichlids and many have the elongated nose profile which makes them easily identifiable. The purpose for their long noses is to aid in picking up large mouthfuls of sand or earth while rummaging for food. Many species of Geophagus are mouth breeding cichlids but some species are substratum spawners, so not all species are limited to one particular type of breeding.
It’s best to keep these types of cichlids in larger community tanks which will afford them the space them need to forage for food. Many of the species of Geophaginae have been spawned successfully in the aquarium. Because of their diversity some species spawn in pairs in typical cichlid fashion, while others work well in small harems with one male to several females. Water quality and additional aeration will serve this group of fish well.
If you fancy plants in your cichlid tank you may consider using Java fern called Microsorum as these fish are known to dig vigorously and will uproot plants. There is a great article on the most popular species of Geophagus called
A Survey of Eartheaters which is worth reading. Also its worth noting they enjoy a current of moving water and this can be accomplished using inexpensive power heads that will also increase the oxygen content in the tank.
List of Geophagus species presently recognized in the genus.
Geophagus abalios López-Fernández & Taphorn, 2004
Geophagus altifrons Heckel, 1840
Geophagus argyrostictus S. O. Kullander, 1991
Geophagus brachybranchus S. O. Kullander & Nijssen, 1989
Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Pearl cichlid)
Geophagus brokopondo S. O. Kullander & Nijssen, 1989
Geophagus camopiensis Pellegrin, 1903 (Oyapock eartheater)
Geophagus crassilabris Steindachner, 1876 (Panamanian eartheater)
Geophagus dicrozoster López-Fernández & Taphorn, 2004
Geophagus gottwaldi I. Schindler & Staeck, 2006[2]
Geophagus grammepareius S. O. Kullander & Taphorn, 1992
Geophagus harreri J. P. Gosse, 1976 (Maroni eartheater)
Geophagus iporangensis Haseman, 1911
Geophagus itapicuruensis Haseman, 1911
Geophagus megasema Heckel, 1840
Geophagus neambi Lucinda, C. A. S. de Lucena & Assis, 2010
Geophagus obscurus (Castelnau, 1855)
Geophagus parnaibae Staeck & I. Schindler, 2006[3]
Geophagus pellegrini Regan, 1912 (Yellowhump eartheater)
Geophagus proximus (Castelnau, 1855).
Geophagus steindachneri C. H. Eigenmann & Hildebrand, 1922 (Redhump eartheater)
Geophagus surinamensis (Bloch, 1791) (Redstriped eartheater)
Geophagus sveni Lucinda, C. A. S. de Lucena & Assis, 2010
Geophagus taeniopareius S. O. Kullander & Royero-L., 1992
Geophagus winemilleri López-Fernández & Taphorn, 2004
Other South America cichlids and related links
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