Geophagus are among the most captivating South American cichlids, but not every species is suited to beginners. Jeremy helps one of our readers with some of the best options to consider, and their basic care requirements.
I’m wondering what you’d recommend as a good eartheater for a beginner to these cichlids. I've always loved eartheaters and, after moving house, I've now got space for a 120cm (4’) or 150cm (5’) tank, which hopefully will be big enough.
I'd appreciate your advice on what species I should buy and how best to set the tank up. I've been keeping fish for three years but the only cichlids I've kept so far have been angelfish and kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher), so this is a new direction for me.
BRADLEY M.
Jeremy's Advice on Eartheating Cichlids
There is a huge variety of stunning Geophagus species available now from specialist local stores and online retailers. Most Geophagus species are best kept in groups of five or more. They also all require excellent water quality, with plenty of mechanical and biological filtration, and large, regular water changes. These fish typically have high metabolisms and as such eat a lot and produce plenty of waste that needs to be dealt with.
They will need a fine sand substrate to sift through, along with a large expanse of open space. Don't cover all the sand with rocks and wood as that completely defeats the purpose. A good, varied diet is also a must. Ensure you offer foods that have plenty of plants or algae included as these fish are omnivores, as well as lots of live and frozen foods.
Most eartheaters can be mixed with other peaceful South American cichlids, such as angelfish and severums, and larger, deep bodied, tetras. Smaller catfish species can prove to be problematic as the eartheaters may outcompete them at feeding time.
Related article: 4 unusual catfish suitable for a community aquarium.
All images by Shutterstock unless otherwise stated
Steer clear of eartheaters from the Satanoperca genus at this stage, pictured above. Although they are true eartheaters, they are generally considered less forgiving, being more susceptible to nutritional problems and hole-in-the-head disease if water quality or diet are less than ideal.
Which Geophagus Species Is Best?
For sheer character, Geophagus steindachneri are active, peaceful cichlids which mouth the substrate constantly.
If the water is hard, or you’re planning on mixing them with tough cichlids, G. brasiliensis would make a good choice. This species requires the larger 150cm (5’) tank. Be aware, however, that it is considerably more territorial and best kept alone or in pairs rather than as a group as with the other species.
For colour and beauty, redhead Tapajós (G. pyrocephalus) are difficult to beat, or if you want sheer elegance in adult fish, look out for G. sveni or G. winemilleri.
Geophagus Fact Files
Red Hump Eartheater
Scientific name: Geophagus steindachneri
Size: Up to 20cm (7.9")
Origin: Found in Colombia and Venezuela across the slower flowing streams of the Magdalena, Cauca, Sinú and Limón river basins. Usually associated with muddy and sandy substrates.
Tank size: 120x45x45cm (48x18x18")
Water requirements: Fairly adaptable, tolerating a pH between 6 and 7.5 and hardness up to 15°, although softer is generally better
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Temperament: Peaceful but given their large size, they should not be trusted with fish small enough to be eaten
Availability & cost: Not always stocked, but most stores should be able to source them for you, prices tend to start around £20 for small individuals
Pearl Eartheater
Scientific name: Geophagus brasiliensis
Size: Up to 28cm (11")
Origin: Occurs in eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay in the lower parts of the river systems across various habitats.
Tank size: 150x50x50cm (60x20x20")
Water requirements: Adaptable, tolerating a pH between 6 and 8 and hardness up to 15°
Temperature: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Temperament: Males are territorial, especially when spawning, best kept alone or in established pairs
Availability & cost: Not always stocked, but most stores should be able to source them for you, prices tend to start around £20 for small individuals
Redhead Tapajós Eartheater
Scientific name: Geophagus pyrocephalus
Size: Up to 18cm (7.1")
Origin: Occurs in the Tapajós River, Brazil, usually in the marginal zones with soft substrate, rounded boulders and some submerged woods and roots
Tank size: 150x45x45cm (60x18x18") is ideal for a good sized group
Water requirements: Soft and acidic is best, aim for a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 and below 10° KH
Temperature: 25-29°C (77-84°F)
Temperament: Peaceful outside of spawning, keep in groups of six or more to allow a natural hierarchy to form
Availability & cost: One of the most popular options thanks to their striking colours, prices tend to start at around £15
Sven's Eartheater
Photo by Alex Bell
Scientific name: Geophagus sveni
Size: Up to 17cm (6.7")
Origin: Known from the Tocantins River in Brazil, they typically live in areas with large expanses of soft substrate
Tank size: 120x45x45cm (48x18x18")
Water requirements: Soft and acidic is best, aim for a pH between 5 and 7 and below 12° KH
Temperature: 25-29°C (77-84°F)
Temperament: Peaceful outside of spawning, keep in groups of six or more alongside fish that are too large to be eaten but are not boisterous and aggressive
Availability & cost: Should not be too difficult to source, prices around £20 each
Aquascaping Top Tip
Decorate an eartheater set-up with a layer of soft sand or inert silver sand, and some large pieces of bogwood. Any plants are best kept to species such as Java fern, Bucephalandra and Anubias, which can be attached to the wood, so the cichlids don’t dig them up.
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