SOUTH AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Geophaginae )
Genus Gymnogeophagus.
Separated from the genus Geophagus as a result of a revision carried out by Gosse in 1975. They move the substrate, so the aquarium substrate should be fine-grained.
— Gymnogeophagus australis [Eigenmann, 1907] — Uruguayan Eartheater. Synonym: Geophagus australe. (Engl- Uruguayan Eartheater). Vicinity of Buenos Aires, La Plata. 10 cm. The body and gill covers of these fishes are of a brilliant golden-green color, the head is brown. The gill covers are covered with an original mask of thin emerald-colored stripes. Fins (except pectoral ones) feature alternating crimson and emerald horizontal stripes forming an exquisite pattern, especially bright on the unpaired fins. The tips of the caudal fin are dark red, with a clear lyre shape, especially pronounced in males.
During the spawning period, a velvety-black vertical stripe becomes particularly distinct, and the throat folds turn coal-black. The male is sleeker than the female, often with a lyrate tail and a fatty cushion on the head. In terms of coloration brightness, the female is in no way inferior to the male, but she is slightly smaller and fuller, with more rounded fins.
The fish have a very peaceful disposition and can easily coexist with commensurable neighbors of a similar temperament. The aquarium must be equipped with an efficient filter capable of quickly capturing the turbidity stirred up by the fish during their favorite activity — digging in the substrate. They can live in both soft and hard water. They feed on animal food. They mature at 8-11 months upon reaching a length of 4-5 cm. They live 5-8 years. dH up to 20°; pH 6.5-8.5; T 20-30°C.
— Gymnogeophagus balzanii [Perugia, 1891] – Balzani’s Earth Eater. Synonym: Geophagus balzanii, duodecimspinosus, Gymnogeophagus cyanopterus. (Engl- Argentine Humphead, Balzani’s Earth Eater, Paraguay Eartheater, Paraguay Mouthbrooder). Rivers of Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, in several areas of Argentina. 15-20 cm. Yellowish-brown, upper body with blue speckles. Lower body and head yellow.
There are 5-8 dark stripes across the body, dividing from the middle of the body downwards into 2 parts. Males are larger than females, have an elongated dorsal fin bordered with red and white, ending in a streamer or rather a “thread”, while having a very high back. In the female, the dorsal fin is rounded. A large, steep, convex forehead is the prerogative of the male.
Unlike the males of some other cichlid species that develop a fatty hump only with age, balzanii males possess this decoration literally from a young age. Mature balzanii males also differ from females in coloration. Absolutely all of their fins, from the pelvic to the caudal, are densely strewn with pearlescent shiny specks; the females’ attire is much more modest — specks are absent, and dark transverse stripes clearly manifest during the spawning period.
The fish are distinguished by a calm, balanced temperament, quite compatible with commensurable neighbors. They practically do not dig the substrate, but sift sand in search of small invertebrates. Males are quite intolerant of their peers and, as a rule, chase the females, so each female must have a shelter. Males form harems, and it is best to keep 1 male with 2-3 females. Prefers middle water levels. Plant sturdy hard-leaved plants. Requires very good filtration and high-quality water.
They accept live, frozen, or flake foods and frequently search the bottom for edible particles. At about 8-9 months of age (at a length of 8-10 cm), sexual differences become clearly pronounced and fixed. At the same time, they mature for spawning. Females create a territory that sometimes has a radius of up to 100 cm. They also mouthbrood their eggs. pH 6-8; dH 5-19°; T 22-26°C.
— Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys [Hensel, 1870] — Smooth Cheek Eartheater. Synonym: Geophagus bucephalus, pygmaeus, scymnophilu. (Engl- Smooth Cheek Eartheater, Squarehead Earth Eater). South of Brazil, La Plata, Uruguay. 25 cm, in aquarium 12-17 cm. Must be kept in pairs. They undermine plants, so these should be planted in pots and surrounded by stones. The bottom should be sandy. Minimum temperature 12-14°С.
— Gymnogeophagus labiatus [Hensel, 1870] — Gymnogeophagus labiatus. Synonym: Geophagus bucephalus, labiatus, scymnophilus. (Engl- Earth Eater). Uruguay. 16 cm. Timid and not as aggressive as other cichlids. Males have a large hump on an amber-yellow head with a vertical stripe through the eye, and large lips. The body sparkles with blue pearls. Dorsal and caudal fins are decorated with bright blue and red stripes. Females are much smaller and less bright, lips are not as thick. A large black spot in the middle of the body. Dorsal fin is short and rounded.
Females are silvery in color and do not have such thick lips. They are slow-moving and not aggressive. Females have an informal hierarchy with a dominant female and guard small territories in the tank, always staying nearby. An aquarium with plenty of caves, as hiding places make them feel safer. Neutral or slightly acidic water, lowered temperature. They will eat any aquarium food. pH 6.0-8.0; dH 3-20°; T 20-24°C.
— Gymnogeophagus meridionalis [Reis & Malabarba, 1988] — Gymnogeophagus meridionalis. Argentina. 12 cm. Flanks pale olive or grey. The dominant male is very brightly colored, others are paler. More peaceful than pugnacious. Keep with cichlids of moderate temperament. Substrate of fine sand. Plant in pots or protect from digging by surrounding with stones. Shelters made of stones and driftwood. 22-24°С; pH 6-7.5; dH 5-15°.
— Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus [Hensel, 1870] — Stripefin Eartheater. Synonym: Geophagus brachyurus, camurus. (Engl- Stripefin Eartheater). Originates from the southern part of South America (up to Montevideo and Buenos Aires). 12-15 cm. Aggressive only during sexual activity. Sift the substrate for food, but only in the surface layers, which can lead to uprooting of some plants. The intensity of red and yellow color depends to some extent on diet. They have a voracious appetite, so several small feedings daily are better than one large one.
Microgeophagus altispinosus, Bolivian Ram.
Guianacara geayi, Guianacara owroewefi, Guianacara sphenozona. 
Last changes and additions made on September 13, 2012.
