Otherwise, you need to set up another tank, for instance in a shed or cellar, where the temperature would remain at the level required for the species in question during these few months. If you have an aquarium that is several hundred gallons in size you could probably keep it with freshwater stingrays. Buy Redstriped Eartheater - Geophagus surinamensis - Juvenile at the lowest prices online & Free Shipping over $149 everyday with code FISHFREE. I hope that this article will help you, at least in some way, make your choice from among the many species of eartheaters. Geophagus is a genus of cichlids that mainly live in South America as far south as Argentina and Uruguay, but a single species, G. crassilabris is from Panama. Gravel and other larger substrates can damage the gills and organs of this fish as it feeds. If you happen to have at your disposal a large tank of a few hundred liters, you can try your hand at keeping some even bigger species, those that exceed 20 cm (8 inches) in length, namely G. proximus, G. altifrons, and G. surinamensis. Call 1-877-367-4377 to order. Scientific name: Geophagus surinamensis. This very colorful and showy fish is also easy to breed. Their bright blue and red stripes and long, filamentous fin extensions make them one of the prettiest species. A password will be sent to your email address. Like other Geophagus species, the Tapajos will continuously sift through sand in search of food. A sandy substrate is necessary for all Geophagus  due to their earth-eating habits. A reasonable choice for the beginning of your adventure with this group of fish would be those species that show relatively little aggression (that is, outside the mating season) and grow to about 12 cm (5 inches), for instance Geophagus sp. 14-15cm (5.5-5.9 ") Introduced: Bloch, 1791 In the difficult category, three species that form the so-called "spotted demonfish group" can surely be included, namely Satanoperca daemon, S. lilith, and S. acuticeps.On account of their required water chemistry (very soft and acidic), an RO filter becomes indispensable in their maintenance. Their maintenance is made rather difficult by the necessity to lower the temperature for a period of two to three months. Diet: Omnivore. Subdominant specimens are more prone to bullying in smaller groups. Once again, however, on account of their size (up to 30 cm (11 inches) in length), you will have to provide a large tank with many hiding places. Above: A premium quality young male Surinamensis Eartheater about 4" long swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture. The largest species reach up to 28 cm (11 in) in standard length. Breeding Threadfin Geophagus form maternal-paternal pairs, and spawn within the rock caves of properly established aquariums. Hardness: Soft. Geophagus Surinamensis is a peaceful, relatively non-territorial cichlid, with beautiful, almost iridescent patterns of blue, green and red markings. S. lilith and S. daemon can easily exceed 30 cm (11 inches). Redfin Jurupari Geophagus Cichlid (Satanoperca leucostictus) Size: About 3-4 inches. It is regarded as one of the most colorful “earth-eating” species. Geophagus: from the Greek geo, meaning ‘earth’, and phagos, meaning ‘ to eat’. Common names: Mother of pearl eartheater, Surinam Geo. Within this group of cichlids, we can find those that withstand temperatures in the vicinity of 30°C (86°F), while some others periodically require water temperatures not much above 5°C (41°F) for normal development. In other words, don’t act on a sudden impulse. A wide range of eartheaters are available in the hobby, and while some remain relatively small and are not too aggressive, others can grow into giant brutes that will kill anything in their path, so it is imperative to know which one is right for you. The Surinamensis Cichlid will reach a length of one foot, and is a strong parent that implements the "mouth brooding" reproductive strategy. Differentiating males from females on sight alone, however, is difficult. Some of them are peaceful fish, while others can literally terrorize the entire tank. dicrozoster: from the Greek dikros, meaning ‘forked’, and zoster, meaning ‘belt’ in reference to the characteristic shape of vertical flank bars 4 and 5 (see ‘Notes’). Other representatives of the more demanding eartheater species are members of the genus Biotodoma (which grow to about 12 cm [5 inches]). All these considerations are very helpful when it comes to choosing a species. Comments: These are fabulous fish that develop very bright orange or even red markings. Family : Cichlidae. Yet another species of the genus (that is somewhat larger than the previous one) that I can honestly recommend for the beginner is G. abalios. G. taeniopareius has interesting coloring and general appearance (due to its relatively elongated body); its dominant body color is yellow. A large group of adult, mature fish can look downright dazzling. This cichlid is generally compatible with other peaceful fish as long as it has plenty of open terrain. ©2020 TFH Magazine, a Central Garden & Pet Company. Max Size: 6″ Temp: 76-84° F pH 5.5-6.5 KH 2-7. You must also decide how much time you can devote to your fish. In addition to their bright, orange-red heads, they have a base color of tan to gray, with slight, vertical banding (8-10 bars) and gold to green, iridescent scales on their flanks. Red Striped Earth Eater. Home New World Cichlids Geophagus Cichlids Earth Eater Jurupari. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning, but this species tends to thrive and show its best coloration in groups of 6 or more. Size: Up to 12 inches. Feb 3, 2021 - Species of Geophagus cichlids. 36377) Though not so abundant, it is often caught in the quiet zones of cascades with G. harreri (Ref. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid grows to an impressive size with outstanding coloration, yet is a fairly peaceful, social cichlid! … Origin: Eartheaters are a family of closely related fish within a larger family of closely related fish, called Cichlids. We combine … Max length : 14.8 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. The entire Geophagus genus is known for its characteristic feeding behavior of scooping up mouthfuls of substrate, which it separates from any small invertebrate prey, and expelling the sifted substrate through its gills. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a very beautiful and surprisingly peaceful cichlid that is native to Suriname.It is regarded as one of the most colorful "earth-eating" species. Family: Cichlidae. Name: Surinamensis Geophagus (Geophagus surinamensis or Geophagus proximus) Family: Cichlidae. You should keep in mind, however, that the adults can be very aggressive at breeding time and will then bully all the other fish in the tank. However, there are a few basic questions to begin with: What is your fishkeeping experience, how big are your tanks, and what kind of tap water do you have? Due to its digging behavior and occasional appetite for soft-leaved plants, it might not be compatible with some more delicate plants. There is a large selection of species, in various colors, patterns, and sizes, to choose from. The diet of these fish must consist of common vegetable foods, for they often suffer from neotropical bloat. The same goes for peat, through which the water should be filtered. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid requires an aquarium with a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of refuge such as clay pots, driftwood, and rock formations. Common Name: Red Striped Eartheater Origin: Suriname; also tank raised in Singapore Diet: Flake food, pellets and greens, and frozen brine shrimp, Bloodworms, mysis shrimp. We are also offering subadults that are already displaying this coloration. Another species that needs very large tanks with many hiding places is Acarichthys heckelii. If you choose to keep them, the water should be warm (to 30°C [86°F]), acidic, and soft, so once again an RO filter is a must. For novice aquarists taking their first tentative steps into the world of cichlids, with limited time to devote to maintenance, and soft to moderately hard tap water, I generally recommend species of the genus Geophagus. I am an enthusiast of these fish, and like any fanatic, I would like to have them all in my tanks. The image used above is for illustration purposes only. Also, all species of the genus often develop HITH. Light: Low. Temperament: Aggressive. This is done to replicate the environment in their natural range—primarily Uruguay, where in winter the temperature can drop to just a few degrees above zero. “red head tapajos,” which is very colorful, has interesting patterning, and is easy to maintain and breed. Call 1-877-367-4377 to order. Scientific name: Geophagus (species) "Red Head Tapajos" 2934 Premium Tapajos Orange Head Eartheater Pictures: top: a young 2" long Tapajos Eartheater. They get along well with larger tetras and most South American cichlids. It sometimes happens that you spot an eartheater species that creates a lump in your throat and takes your breath away, so you hasten to buy a group of these fish. They are often kept in aquariums. See more ideas about cichlids, habitats, species. Geophagus: from the Greek geo, meaning ‘earth’, and phagos, meaning ‘ to eat’. In short, you can pick and choose to your heart's content. Geophagus Surinamensis: Distribution: Suriname - Sarramacca, Maroni and Suriname Rivers Size: 10-12 inches/25-30cm: Temperature: 76 to 80 degrees: pH: 6-8: Common Names: Red Striped Eartheater, sometimes also called Pearl Eartheater (although this name is also used for G. Brasiliensis) However, it is fine with more durable plants that can be attached to rocks and driftwood. Obviously, this translates into frequent water changes (using water of the same physical and chemical parameters). winemilleri is a beautiful & relatively peaceful species that is considered another rare gem in the aquarium hobby of Geophagus cichlids. That is, try your hand at keeping some of the more demanding species, with more stringent requirements when it comes to water quality, diet, and aquarium size. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether. The eartheaters are a highly variable group of South American cichlids. Maximum size: about 5.5" long This is a highly recommended aquarium fish. Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid, but more durable, larger shrimp and snails could possibly make good tankmates in a large enough aquarium  Schooling fish such as large tetras and Corydoras catfish are good tankmates, as are suckermouth catfish and other relatively peaceful cichlids such as serums, angelfish, and even discus. See more ideas about aquarium fish, cichlids, fish tank. This is why you should try to be cool-headed and approach the purchase with some detachment. Generally known as a peaceful cichlid and can do well with fish larger than 2 inches in size. They will provide you with a real feast of colors. Care: Neutral pH (7.0), temp should be around 80F (27C).This fish needs a very fine substrate in order to thrive in aquarium life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgPmNJ2za6M&ab_channel=JosephRh, Beautiful coloration across the entire body in both males and females, Very active with fascinating feeding behavior, Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank. These fish are relatively forgiving of some neglect on the part of their keeper, such as irregular water changes, and are very resilient as far as water chemistry is concerned. Unfortunately, I am faced with some difficult choices here, for in making new purchases, I must consider the fish I already possess. Water quality is the essential factor in their maintenance; nitrogen compounds should be undetectable with aquarium tests. For those of you with more fishkeeping experience, there are some moderately difficult eartheater species to choose from. Approximate Purchase Size: Small Less than 2"; Medium: Larger than 2" Another challenge is the necessity to provide really big tanks with numerous hiding places. Feeding is simple for the unfussy Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid.  High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted.  Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration. Maximum length 30 cm TL (Ref. They are quite timid, so some companion fish will be necessary. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a very beautiful and surprisingly peaceful cichlid that is native to Suriname. The Geophagus sp. Origin: South America (Surinam and surrounding areas) Care: Neutral pH (7.0), temp should be around 80F (27C). having an aquarium is the best way to bring nature into your home or business. Aug 13, 2017 - Explore Amy Hanak's board "Geophagus" on Pinterest. They are part of a group popularly known as eartheaters and mostly feed by picking up mouthfuls of sediment to sift out food items such as invertebrates, plant material and detritus. Minimum Tank Capacity: 40 gallons. Another disease that they frequently develop is hole in the head (HITH), which is why optimal physical and chemical conditions, including a very low level of metabolites, are essential in their maintenance. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a very beautiful and surprisingly peaceful cichlid that is native to Suriname.It is regarded as one of the most colorful “earth-eating” species. Swimming Level: Bottom Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Sand, flat rocks, caves, hardy plants. Free shipping over $149! S. daemon likes its water quite warm (around 30°C [86°F]) and acidic (pH below 6). Like all Geophagus, they prefer to be kept in groups of 4+ but will be okay as a breeding pair. The genus Satanoperca would be suitable here, ideal choices being S. jurupari or S. leucosticta. Average adult size: 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30.5 cm) Average purchase size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm) for Juveniles, 3 - 4 inches (7.5 - 10 cm) for Subadults We are offering juvenile specimens of this incredible species, which will mature to the striking adult coloration in a few months. A hydroponic or denitrifying filter can also serve as a possiblesolution. Max size: Around 10" Origin: South America (Surinam and surrounding areas). They are found in a wide range of freshwater habitats. Another easy species that has very attractive markings on its body and is suitable for the novice eartheater enthusiast is Geophagus sp.“pindare.”. Scientific Name: Geophagus sp. Other similar sized South American cichlids and plecos would be compatible, but in order to keep any other fish with Geophagus surinamensis, you must have a large aquarium. They are not choosy with regard to either food or physical and chemical water parameters, the only downside being the considerable aggression shown by adult males, for which the only remedy appears to be providing numerous hiding places and a large number of dither fish in the tank. If you happen to live in a climate zone where the winter temperatures range from 5° to about 12°C (41° to 54°F), you can try keeping these eartheaters in a pond. A worthy challenge for the experienced aquarist would be the beautifully colored and relatively small (from 10 cm to about 12 cm [4 to 5 inches]) species of the genus Gymnogeophagus. Even as it reaches adult size, it should be fed foods comparable to the size of bloodworms and small to medium size grade dry foods. 35237). Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. Another group of eartheaters that can be recommended for the intermediate-level aquarist (and even some beginners) are those belonging to the genusGuianacara. Lives in mud and sand-bottomed canals. 5723). The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a very beautiful and surprisingly peaceful cichlid that is native to Suriname.It is regarded as one of the most colorful “earth-eating” species. An additional source of enjoyment is their readiness to breed, which means we can witness their interesting family life. 246 Litres (65 US G.) Size. Please click here to see the fish profile explaining the keeping and breeding conditions for this species. Scientific name : Geophagus surinamensis. Another eartheater known to be resistant to disease and relatively undemanding as far as physical and chemical water parameters go is G. brasiliensis. Common Name: Max Size: 10". They are not very troublesome, stay relatively small (some species do not even exceed 10 cm [4 inches] in length), and reproduce readily—in other words, they have all that it takes to appeal to fish hobbyists. Difficulty. Range: Guyana to the Amazon. Red Striped Earth Eater. They will add vibrant coloration and beauty to any aquarium as this fish becomes more mature, it’s colors will become breathtaking. They will provide you with a real feast of colors. Max Size: 6" pH: 5.0-8.0. Freshwater Tropical Fish Articles | TFH Magazine, Gymnogeophagus | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine, A Survey of Eartheaters | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine. The Red Striped Eartheater Cichlid grows to an impressive size with outstanding coloration, yet is a fairly peaceful, social cichlid! Another fish that I might suggest is the undemanding redhump eartheater (and other species that belong to the G. steindachneri group). General: The Surinamensis Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a large, colorful, and passive fish species that is naturally derived from the Suriname River. Within it, there are species that barely exceed 10 cm (4 inches), or are even smaller, as well as those measuring almost 30 cm (12 inches) or more.