Argentine humphead - Gymnogeophagus balzanii

Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus balzanii

Common name: Argentine humphead

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 17 - 20 cm (6.69 - 7.87 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 19°N (89.29 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Quality flakes or pellets should be the staple diet of Argentine humpheads. Treats of brine shrimp and daphnia will be readily accepted.

Origin

South America; Argentine humpheads were first discovered in Paraguay by Heiko Bleher.

Sexing

Males will develop the nuchal hump and have an extended dorsal fin. Females will be smaller than the males with less coloration.

Breeding

Argentine humpheads will need hiding places for spawning, plant pots are ideal for this. The female will tend the eggs while the male will defend the spawning site form intruders.24- 36 hours after spawning, the female will pick up the eggs and start mouth brooding. The fry should be released after 3 weeks, at this stage they will already be free swimmers and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Gymnogeophagus balzanii is 5-8 years.

Short description

Gymnogeophagus balzanii demand the highest water quality; large weekly water changes must be performed. If the quality deteriorates they are prone to hole in the head disease.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.