All fish / Cichlidae

Neambi Eartheater

Geophagus neambi

Also known as neambi eartheater, geophagus neambi, tocantins eartheater, geophagus sp. araguaia, neambi geophagus, ゲオファーガス・ネアンビ, 尼安比珠母丽鱼

A sleek eartheater from the Tocantins basin with a silvery body, iridescent blue facial lines and spangling, and a dark spot on the flank. Keepers value it for its calm group behaviour and its habit of sifting sand through its gills.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Tocantins River basin

Breeding

A delayed mouthbrooder: the pair spawns on a flat stone and the female, sometimes with the male, picks up the eggs or larvae after a day or two. It has been bred in home aquariums, and success is most likely with a settled group in soft, warm water.

Good to know

Needs a fine sand substrate and very clean, warm water, as it is sensitive to poor water quality. It grows large enough to need a big tank, and it is often confused with other Geophagus species from the G. altifrons group.