Description

Geophagus surinamensis – (No Online Purchases)

General Characteristics:

The Geophagus surinamensis, also known as the Red-striped Eartheater, is a popular and striking species of cichlid from South America. As its common name suggests, it is a “sifter,” meaning it spends a great deal of time foraging for food by sifting through the substrate.

Appearance and Size
Size: Geophagus surinamensis can grow quite large, typically reaching a size of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).

Colouration: They have beautiful iridescent colours, often with a mix of blue, green, and red. As they mature, they can develop intricate colour patterns and elongated finnage.

Sexual Dimorphism: Sexing these fish can be challenging, but males are generally more brightly colored and may be larger with longer, more extended fins. Some males may also develop a nuchal hump on their forehead.

Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Due to their size, a large aquarium is essential. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons (300 litres) is recommended for a single fish or a small group. A longer tank is preferable to a taller one to provide ample swimming space.

Substrate: A soft sandy substrate is crucial. Their natural behaviour involves sifting through the sand for food, and a coarse or sharp substrate could potentially injure their gills.

Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers using driftwood, rocks, and hardy plants. While they are not known to eat plants, their constant digging may uproot them, so it’s best to secure plants firmly or use potted plants.

Water Parameters:

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

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: Moderately soft to moderately hard water is suitable.

Filtration: Excellent filtration is vital. Their constant sifting and large size mean they produce a lot of waste. Regular, consistent water changes (20-30% weekly) are also necessary to maintain water quality and keep nitrate levels low.

Lighting: They prefer dimmed lighting.

Behavior and Temperament
Geophagus surinamensis are generally peaceful cichlids, though they can be territorial during breeding.

They are active swimmers and are captivating to watch as they sift through the substrate.

They can be shy at first but will become more comfortable and interactive with their owners over time.

They are best kept in a group of 5 or more to help diffuse aggression, especially between males.

Diet
As omnivores, they require a varied diet.

A high-quality pellet or flake food should form the staple of their diet.

Supplement this with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and small earthworms.

They also benefit from vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables.

It’s best to offer small meals several times a day.

Tank Mates
Suitable tank mates include other peaceful, non-aggressive fish that are similar in size.

Good companions are other South American cichlids, larger tetras, and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish or loaches.

Avoid smaller, more delicate fish that could be seen as food, as well as highly aggressive or fin-nipping species that could stress the Geophagus.

Breeding
Geophagus surinamensis are mouthbrooders and substrate spawners.

The male and female will pair off, and the female will lay eggs on a flat surface or in a pit dug out of the substrate.

Both parents will then take the eggs into their mouths for protection.

Breeding can be a rewarding experience, but it requires stable water conditions. The fry can be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flakes once they are free-swimming.