Size: Approx 4-6cm
Geophagus Red Hump (hondae) Eartheater, Widespread throughout the Río Magdalena drainage, Colombia, including its major tributary the Río Cauca, plus the Río Sinú drainage in northwestern Colombia and Río Limón basin, northwestern Venezuela, appears to prefer forested streams, tributaries, and backwaters with sandy substrates. Essential to use soft, sandy substrate so that the fish can browse naturally (see ‘Diet’). Coarser materials such as gravel or small pebbles can inhibit feeding, damage gill filaments and even be ingested with the potential of internal damage or blockages.
Diet:
Mouthfuls of substrate are taken and sifted for edible items with the remaining material expelled via the gills and mouth. Once settled it will readily rise into the water column when food is introduced but continue to browse normally at other times.
Even as adults these cichlids seem unable to properly ingest larger food items meaning the diet should contain a variety of high quality, fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Tubifex, Artemia, mosquito larvae, etc.
Behaviour:
Adult males are aggressively territorial towards rival males, especially when reproductively active, and only a single individual should be housed in all but the largest aquaria. It is best to provide the male with three or more females in order to disperse aggression should the male come into breeding condition.
Ideal tankmates include pelagic characins, with aggressive or territorial benthic species best avoided.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Adult males are larger in size and have longer unpaired fin lobes than females. Sexually mature males develop a nuchal hump which can be very pronounced in some individuals.
Care
Care Level: Easy-Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive territorial towards rival males
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: Male 130 – 150 mm; female 110 – 130 mm
Tank Size: 350L
Temperature: 22-30c
pH: 6.0-7.5
Family: Geophagus' steindachneri
Photos demonstrating potential size & colour as adult & juvenile (what is supplied).
*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact size and colour may vary, if required, please feel free to contact us for exact photos prior to purchase.
