Redhump eartheater - Geophagus steindachneri

Scientific name: Geophagus steindachneri

Common name: Redhump eartheater

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 18 - 20 cm (7.09 - 7.87 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 17°N (89.29 - 303.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°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

In the aquarium Redhump eartheaters will accept most foods offered. For the staple diet use a quality flake but vary the diet with finely chopped vegetables, blood worms and shelled peas.

Origin

South America; Redhump eartheaters are found in the water ways of the Rio Magdalena, Colombia.

Sexing

Males will be more colourful and have larger red areas at the side of their mouth. They will also grow the nuchal hump as they mature.

Breeding

Redhump eartheaters are maternal mouth brooders, the male takes on no parenting at all and will attempt to breed with several females at the same time. As soon as the eggs are fertilised, the female will scoop them up and hold them for incubation. When the fry are released, the can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Geophagus steindachneri is 12 years.

Short description

Geophagus steindachneri are relatively easy to care for, their minimum tank size should be 50 gallons but only keep one male per tank. They will sift the substrate for their food so the addition of live plants is not necessary as they will uproot them.

Pictures

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