All fish / Cichlidae

Geophagus altifrons

Geophagus altifrons

Also known as altifrons eartheater, altifrons, geophagus altifrons tapajos, geophagus altifrons xingu, eartheater cichlid, geo altifrons, ゲオファーガス・アルティフロンス, 高额珠母丽鱼, 高身珍珠关刀

A large, high-backed eartheater with a pearly body covered in rows of iridescent blue spots and a yellowish or reddish tint to the fins, which varies by collection locality. It is kept for its calm group behaviour and its habit of sifting mouthfuls of sand through the gills while foraging.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped prawn and vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Tocantins basins, Brazil

Breeding

A delayed mouthbrooder: the female lays eggs on a flat stone or in a shallow pit and takes them into her mouth after a day or two, guarding the free-swimming fry. Spawning in captivity is achievable in a large, mature tank with soft, warm water.

Good to know

Needs a fine sand substrate and a very large tank, as adults can exceed 25 cm in total length. Sensitive to nitrate build-up, so frequent large water changes are essential.