Red hump geophagus, Red hump eartheater

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Category:

Cichlids, Central and S. America

Common Name:

Red hump geophagus, Red hump eartheater

Scientific Name:

Geophagus steindachneri

Description:

Often confused with Geophagus Hondae or Geophagus pellegrini, the Geophagus Steindachneri, or Red Hump, is a South American cichlid that is known for their feeding habits of sifting through substrate and spitting out anything not digestible. Thus earning the common name, eartheater. They are a Polygymous species with mouth brooding Females. The Males display more color as well as a red hump on the top of his head. Mating is very common and easily achieved with these fish if the males aggression can be controlled. At this point, the female will hold the eggs in her mouth for 2-4 days until they hatch which then she will continue to house the fry in her mouth for up to 2 weeks and the fry will feed on a mucus lining on the inside of her mouth, just as discus do with the outer coat. These are not the most colorful of the Geophagus but they are an experience in their own to keep and highly recommended for breeding purposes.

Origin:

Rio Magdalena, Rio Sinu, and Rio Cauca drainages in Colombia, and tributaries of the Maracaibo basin in Venezuela.

Max Size:

6 inches

Minimum Tank Size:

30 gallons

Swim Area:

Bottom and Middle

Life Span:

12 years

Temperature Range (F):

75 - 80 F

pH:

6.5 - 7.0

Hardness (dH):

5 - 15 dH

Diet:

Omnivore

Additional Diet Information:
Gender Difference:

Dimorphic

Males- light greenish body with a protruding red hump on their head. elongated ventral and anal fins and green spangles on the side. Female - less color with black spots down the lateral line and smaller than males.

Breeding:

Biparental Mouthbrooder

Males can become extremely aggressive with females when they want to spawn, killing her in extreme cases.

Males court females by spreading their jaw and shaking vigorously

Temperament/Social Behavior:

• Peaceful, Docile, Schooling fish/Usually found in groups, Timid/Shy, Aggressive when spawning, Males aggressive toward females

Common Diseases:
Availability:

Occasionally Available

Additional Information or Photos