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An attractive and hardy species, these need to be kept in an aquarium at least 100cm long when young, but ideally much larger as they mature.
Prolific diggers, provide a deep substrate of sand or fine gravel and create some caves to hide in using rocks and driftwood. Decorate the set up with hardy plants in pots or species attached to the rocks and wood.
Growing up to 22cm in length, they can be kept singly or in small groups within most large-sized fish community and cichlid tanks.
Feed a mix of pellets, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Surinam Eartheater.
Scientific name:
Geophagus altifrons.
Family:
Cichlidae.
Colour:
Blue, green, orange, red.
Native habitat:
Still and slow moving waters in the middle to lower Amazon basin.
Potential lifespan:
up to 10 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
22cm.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
For slightly more experienced fishkeepers.
Swimming level:
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer, mouthbrooder.
Sex:
Male is larger and has a more pointed end to the dorsal fin (females are noticeably rounded)
Females are slightly less colourful.
Temperature:
26-32°c.
Water parameters:
pH 5.0 to 7.0.
Hardness up to 12°dGH.
Feeding:
Mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods including bloodworm, Tubifex and brine shrimp.
Offer some chopped earthworms as a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
100cm long, 200 litres when young.
As adults, 200cm long, 600 litres+.
Cohabitation:
Best kept either singly or in small groups if the aquarium is large enough.
If keeping a group, it may be best to only keep them with large, non-predatory catfish.
Will be aggressive and territorial when breeding.
Suitable to keep with other fish of similar temperament such as other Geophagus, Parrot fish and Oscars.
Can also be kept with some large community fish that are too big to fit in their mouth, but they must be introduced to the aquarium first.
Other tips and information:
Good, strong filtration is required, an external canister filter is recommended.
Maintain good water quality with plenty of regular water changes.
Keep nitrate levels low, under 30ppm.
Territorial, protective and aggressive when breeding.
An attractive and hardy species, these need to be kept in an aquarium at least 100cm long when young, but ideally much larger as they mature.
Prolific diggers, provide a deep substrate of sand or fine gravel and create some caves to hide in using rocks and driftwood. Decorate the set up with hardy plants in pots or species attached to the rocks and wood.
Growing up to 22cm in length, they can be kept singly or in small groups within most large-sized fish community and cichlid tanks.
Feed a mix of pellets, and frozen tropical foods.
Common name(s):
Surinam Eartheater.
Scientific name:
Geophagus altifrons.
Family:
Cichlidae.
Colour:
Blue, green, orange, red.
Native habitat:
Still and slow moving waters in the middle to lower Amazon basin.
Potential lifespan:
up to 10 years.
Maximum size (approx.):
22cm.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
For slightly more experienced fishkeepers.
Swimming level:
Bottom / deep areas.
Breeding:
Egg layer, mouthbrooder.
Sex:
Male is larger and has a more pointed end to the dorsal fin (females are noticeably rounded)
Females are slightly less colourful.
Temperature:
26-32°c.
Water parameters:
pH 5.0 to 7.0.
Hardness up to 12°dGH.
Feeding:
Mix of cichlid pellets, and frozen tropical foods including bloodworm, Tubifex and brine shrimp.
Offer some chopped earthworms as a treat.
Minimum aquarium size:
100cm long, 200 litres when young.
As adults, 200cm long, 600 litres+.
Cohabitation:
Best kept either singly or in small groups if the aquarium is large enough.
If keeping a group, it may be best to only keep them with large, non-predatory catfish.
Will be aggressive and territorial when breeding.
Suitable to keep with other fish of similar temperament such as other Geophagus, Parrot fish and Oscars.
Can also be kept with some large community fish that are too big to fit in their mouth, but they must be introduced to the aquarium first.
Other tips and information:
Good, strong filtration is required, an external canister filter is recommended.
Maintain good water quality with plenty of regular water changes.
Keep nitrate levels low, under 30ppm.
Territorial, protective and aggressive when breeding.
