SOUTH AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Geophaginae )
Continued…
Genus Geophagus.
— Geophagus brasiliensis [Quoy & Gaimard, 1824] — Pearl Cichlid, Eartheater, Pearlscale Eartheater. Synonyms: Acara, Chromis brasiliensis, Geophagus labiatus, obscura, pygmaeus. (Russian: Geophagus brasiliensis). Southeastern Brazil to Uruguay. 30 cm, in aquarium up to 20 cm. Wild specimens show significant differences in body color and shape depending on the locality, with dominant shades of blue, green, or yellow. Some populations also vary in body shape according to their habitat type; specimens from fast-flowing rivers and tributaries are more elongated than those from slow or stagnant waters. Features a curved body shape, with the dorsal line curved more strongly than the ventral line. In adult fish, the dorsal and anal fins are elongated.
The main body coloration of the male ranges from grayish-yellow to copper and reddish-brown, with the body and fins dotted with blue-white pearl spots. Each scale features a shiny bluish-green spot. Black spots are present on the middle of the body, though they may be faint. Some specimens have a black band running across the head through the eyes. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins range from greenish-yellow to golden-brown, adorned with maroon, yellowish, bluish-blue, emerald, or silvery dots.
Most of the fins are red. Males are brighter and noticeably larger than females, with their dorsal and anal fins thread-like, elongated, and pointed. Dominant individuals develop a fatty hump on the head. During spawning, a large, rounded black spot is visible on the flank near the dorsal fin, and a black bar runs through the eye. Juveniles are gray-green. Two subspecies are known: — Geophagus b. iporangensis (inhabitant of the Rio Ribeira de Iguape) and — Geophagus b. itapicuruensis (from the Rio Itapicuru).
These fish require a large aquarium with either fresh or brackish water. They occupy the lower water layers. Males are very aggressive when defending their territory. Males often behave aggressively toward their partners, which is why it is recommended to provide numerous small and large hiding places in a spacious aquarium, making sure they are securely anchored. Fish sometimes dig heavily in the substrate, undermining decorations and plants.
Plant hardy, thick-leaved plants in pots. Perform weekly water changes of 15-20%. Keeping them in cooler water (22°C) enhances the reddish tones in their coloration. A wholesome, vitamin-rich diet helps maintain the fish in prime condition with magnificent coloration for years.
They mature at 10-15 months upon reaching a length of 8-10 cm. Males grow faster than females and are already ready for spawning by the end of their first year. Forming a pair from adult fish is difficult. A female not ready for spawning is chased by the male and may be killed, so the male should be younger and smaller than the female. Fish prefer to lay eggs in caves made from a large flowerpot overturned upside down. A small stone is placed under one side of the pot so the geophagines can swim inside. Both parents or just the female care for the offspring, which can last up to 3 months. Reproductive capacity in males lasts up to 10 years, and in females up to 8 years. Lifespan is 15 years. dH 6-22°; pH 6.5-7.5; T 20-27°C.
— Geophagus iporangensis [Haseman, 1911]. Inhabitant of the Rio Ribeira de Iguape, Brazil. Male 9 cm, females 7 cm. The emerald-turquoise body and fins of the fish are dotted with pearlescent points. During spawning, a large rounded black spot is visible on the flank, and a black bar passes through the eye. Males are larger and more colorful, also featuring elongated dorsal and anal fins; dominants may develop an occipital hump. Males can be territorial, especially during the breeding season, and may attack conspecifics.
They can be kept in a group if the aquarium is sufficiently large, providing enough space and hiding spots for escape. Another option is keeping a pair with catfish and similarly sized fish. They occupy the lower water layers and occasionally dig heavily in the substrate. The substrate should be sand. Driftwood and smooth stones can be used to decorate the aquarium. Any plants used must be well-rooted and potted. Lighting should be subdued. Strong water currents should be avoided. They mature in 10-15 months. Monitor males closely during the breeding period, as they may begin to beat the female. pH 6.0-7.0; dH up to 8°; T 23-26°C.
— Geophagus parnaibae [Staeck & Schindler, 2006]. Northeast Brazil. 8-12 cm. Adults have a metallic green to golden body. Forehead and neck are dark gray, with bluish spots often on the lower half of the head. Chest and belly are grayish-white. A large, striking dark brown or black spot is located in the middle of the flanks. Scales on the sides feature orange speckles that form up to ten horizontal stripes. Alternating maroon and white stripes mark the anal and caudal fins.
Requires an aquarium with a sandy bottom, dense vegetation, a few smooth stones and pieces of driftwood, alongside a large open swimming space. Coarse substrates like gravel or small pebbles will hinder normal feeding, damage gill membranes, and may even injure internal organs. Schooling fish, a group of 5-8 individuals should be the minimum, as they form a dominant hierarchy. In smaller numbers, weaker specimens may become targets of excessive aggression.
These cichlids are extremely sensitive to deteriorating water quality and chemical fluctuations, so they should not be introduced to a biologically immature aquarium. Good filtration and weekly 50% water changes are mandatory. In the aquarium, they accept dry food, frozen foods, all types of live food, and spirulina-based pellets and tablets. Eggs are typically laid on a piece of decor, a flat stone, or a piece of driftwood. Both parents care for the eggs and fry. pH 6.5-7.6; T 24-29°C.
— Geophagus proximus [Castelnau, 1855] — Suriname Eartheater. Brazil, Peru, Ucayali River. 20 cm, females are smaller. Flanks feature a dark spot and several longitudinal yellow-orange stripes. The caudal fin is brownish with 3-5 light stripes on the upper lobe and less distinct stripes or a mottled pattern of light spots with narrow dark intervals on the lower lobe. Adult males have pointed dorsal and anal fins, and dominants often develop an occipital hump.
Fairly peaceful fish. Aggressive toward smaller fish. A group of 5 individuals can only be combined with peaceful species. It is best to keep 1 male and 2-3 females. One thing is crucial for harmony and peace in a geophagus aquarium: space. They sift the substrate in search of edible particles, then blow the smallest and unusable debris out through their gills. Coarse fractions like gravel or small pebbles can impede feeding and damage the gills. Plants will be destroyed.
Lighting should be diffuse. Extremely sensitive to water quality deterioration and chemical fluctuations, so do not introduce them to a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly 50% water changes are necessary. Diet should include diverse foods: small live or frozen bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and tablets/pellets with a significant proportion of plant matter such as spirulina. Feed small portions several times a day. Eggs are laid on a flat stone or piece of driftwood. Parents practice mouthbrooding. Lifespan is 6-8 years. pH 6.0-7.5; dH 6-20°; T 22-29°C.
Geophagus steindachneri, Geophagus surinamensis, Geophagus sp. “Tapajos”.
Geophagus abalios, Geophagus altifrons. 
