All fish / Cichlidae

Redhump eartheater

Geophagus steindachneri

Also known as red hump geophagus, red hump eartheater, redhump geophagus, steindachner's eartheater, red hump earth eater, geophagus hondae, ゲオファーガス・ステインダクネリー, 红头珍珠关刀, 红顶珍珠关刀

A stocky eartheater with a greenish to bronze body flecked with iridescent spots, and adult males develop a striking red nuchal hump on the forehead. It is kept for its sand-sifting behaviour, its colour and the fact that it stays smaller and hardier than many other Geophagus species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with several females, or a single pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela (Magdalena, Cauca and Lake Maracaibo basins)

Breeding

This is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female lays eggs on a flat stone and takes them into her mouth, carrying eggs and fry for around two to three weeks. It breeds fairly readily in captivity if a male is kept with several females.

Good to know

Males can be quarrelsome with each other and harass females, so provide space and visual barriers. Use soft sand so it can sift without damaging its gills.