Description

The “Red Horse Face Geophagus Cichlid (Rio Branco)” is a fascinating and beautiful South American cichlid, appreciated by aquarists for its vibrant colours and unique “eartheater” behaviour. It’s important to note that the name “Red Horse Face” is often used for a few different species, with Geophagus surinamensis being a common one. The “Rio Branco” designation specifies its geographic origin, a tributary of the Amazon.

Key Characteristics
Scientific Name: The species designation can be a bit confusing in the hobby. While often referred to as a variety of Geophagus surinamensis, other Geophagus species like G. pyrocephalus (Redhead Tapajos) may also be called “Red Horse Face”. The “Rio Branco” name specifically refers to a geographical variant.

Appearance: They are known for their striking appearance, which includes a vibrant red or orange head, a shimmering body with iridescent scales, and often a pattern of vertical bars. They also develop long, flowing fins as they mature.

Size: These cichlids can reach a significant size, typically growing up to 25 cm (10 inches) or more.

Temperament: They are generally peaceful for a cichlid, especially when kept in a group. However, they can become territorial, particularly during spawning.

Aquarium Care
To ensure a healthy and thriving Red Horse Face Geophagus, it’s essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible.

Tank Size: Due to their size and social nature, a large tank is a must. A minimum of 300 liters (80 gallons) is recommended for a group of 5 or more, with larger tanks being preferable to accommodate their adult size and reduce aggression. A long tank is more beneficial than a tall one to provide ample swimming and foraging space.

Substrate: This is arguably the most critical aspect of their tank setup. They are “eartheaters” (the literal translation of Geophagus), which means they sift through the substrate with their mouths to find food. A soft, fine sand substrate is absolutely essential. Gravel or other large substrates can damage their gills and mouth as they feed, leading to health problems.

Filtration and Water Flow: Their sifting behaviour stirs up the substrate, so a powerful and efficient filtration system is crucial to maintain high water quality. While they prefer good aeration, a strong current is not always necessary, as many species come from slow-moving waters. A combination of external canister filters or a sump system is often recommended.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 24-28C (75-82F)

pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.

Regular water changes (at least 50-70% weekly) are vital to keep nitrates low and prevent health issues.

Diet and Feeding
Diet Type: Omnivorous, with a natural preference for small invertebrates and detritus.

Feeding: Their diet should be varied and include high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and a variety of frozen and live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Occasional vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or peas, can also be beneficial. It’s best to feed them small amounts multiple times a day to encourage their natural foraging behaviour.

Social Behaviour and Tank Mates
Group Dynamics: Red Horse Face Geophagus are social fish and should be kept in groups of 5 or more to spread out any aggression and reduce stress among individuals.

Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates are other peaceful South American cichlids, large tetras, and catfish. Good examples include other Geophagus species, Severums, Silver Dollars, and Corydoras. Avoid aggressive fish that might bully them, and also avoid very small fish that could be seen as prey. They are not compatible with delicate invertebrates like dwarf shrimp.