Geophagus altifrons

The Eartheater cichlid, or Geophagus altifrons, is a well-liked fish among aquarium enthusiasts. This species, which is well-known for its eye-catching appearance and intriguing behavior, can add a little bit of the wild Amazon to any home aquarium.

Because of their tendency to rummage through the substrate in search of food, these fish are known as "Eartheaters." They are lovely and useful additions to your tank because of their behavior, which also keeps the aquarium clean and keeps them amused.

Geophagus altifrons are an excellent option for community tanks because of their peaceful nature, which allows them to get along well with other species. They are fascinating to watch because of their vivid colors and distinctive behaviors, which liven up any aquatic setting.

Habitat

Originates in the Rio Negro River basin in South America. inhabits lakes in floodplains and the lower reaches of rivers with sand and silt substrates. prefers to remain near the coast in areas where the water is clear (not muddy).

In a nutshell:

  • Aquarium volume – from 500 l.
  • Temperature – 26–32 °C
  • pH value – 4.8–6.6
  • Water hardness – 0–5 dGH
  • Substrate type – sandy
  • Lighting – subdued
  • Brackish water – no
  • Water movement – weak
  • Fish size – 20-22 cm.
  • Diet – small sinking food from a variety of products
  • Temperament – peaceful
  • Keeping in a group of 5-8 individuals

Description

Adults can grow to be 20–22 cm long. From reddish-orange to blue, the color varies depending on the region of origin. While some researchers attribute the color palette to the existence of multiple subspecies, as of the writing of this article, they were all categorized as Geophagus altifrons. The expression of sexual dimorphism is weak. The male and female are not visibly different from the outside.

Diet

Feeds at the bottom, using its mouth and gills to filter sand in an attempt to find tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton. For this species to eat normally, sandy soil is necessary. Feed food that sinks and with small food particles. Despite its size, the fish cannot consume large portions. This could be the diet: frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm pieces combined with dry flakes and/or granules containing plant additives.

Long-term maintenance is possible in aquariums of 500 liters, which will be enough for a group of 3-4 fish. In the design, the substrate is of key importance, as already noted above, sandy soil is necessary. Rough materials, as well as gravel, small pebbles will interfere with normal food intake and can get stuck in the mouth. Several snags in the form of roots and tree branches will serve as additional design elements. The use of live or artificial plants is not recommended. Most likely, they will be quickly dug up.
Water conditions have a fairly narrow permissible range of hydrochemical values ​​- low hardness and high acidity. In this case, the water should contain a large amount of dissolved tannins. In nature, these substances color the water of the Rio Negro brown. In an aquarium, the source of tannins, in particular tannins, will be dried leaves of some trees. More about this in the article "Leaves of which trees can be used in an aquarium".
Maintaining high water quality largely depends on its weekly renewal with fresh water in the amount of 50-70%, as well as on the performance of the filtration system. The model and location of the filter should minimize the likelihood of sand getting in, clouds of which are obliged to with each feeding.

Behavior and compatibility

If there are five or six of them in a large aquarium, the fish will be peaceful and calm. The dominant alpha male can attack weaker individuals when there are fewer of them and they are in close quarters. Calmly alludes to other varieties; however, fish that are too small (about 1 cm) and their fry may inadvertently be consumed.

Breeding / reproduction

The fish are successfully bred in aquariums. Apparently, in an artificial environment there is no specific stimulus for the start of spawning, so the mating season can begin at any time.
After a short period of courtship, the male and female choose a site on the bottom that will serve as their temporary territory for hatching offspring. The female lays eggs in batches on some surface, such as a snag or a large flat stone. After fertilization, she immediately takes them into her mouth and releases a new batch. A total of up to 200 eggs can be laid and all of them will be placed in the mouth, where they will spend the entire incubation period. Carrying eggs in the mouth is a special strategy for protecting future offspring, which is characteristic of many cichlids, including those far beyond the South American continent. When the fry is born at first, they will continue to be in their refuge and begin to leave it only on 8-11 days, but at the same time they will continue to be near the female. The male is nearby all this time, patrolling the territory. It is worth noting that sometimes the roles in the pair change and the male is already engaged in bearing offspring, and the female guards them.

Topic Details
Common Name Geophagus Altifrons
Origin South America
Size Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
Temperament Peaceful
Water Temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F)
pH Range 6.0-7.5
Diet Omnivorous
Aquarium Size Minimum 200 liters (50 gallons)

A fascinating species that can infuse your aquarium with personality and beauty is Geophagus altifrons. Because of their calm disposition, they are great in community tanks where they get along well with other fish of a similar temperament.

These cichlids are fascinating to watch as well as visually stunning, especially when they sift through the substrate in search of food. You can make sure they flourish in your aquarium by giving them a healthy diet and clean, well-maintained water.

With its eye-catching appearance and intriguing behavior, Geophagus altifrons might be the ideal addition to your tank if you’re looking for something different and captivating.

Beautiful South American cichlid Geophagus altifrons is well-liked by both novice and expert aquarium hobbyists due to its calm disposition, distinct sand-sifting habit, and vivid colors.

Geophagus altifrons

Geophagus altifrons.

Geophagus altifrons

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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