All fish / Cichlidae

Constellation Eartheater

Gymnogeophagus constellatus

Also known as gymnogeophagus constellatus, constellation gymnogeophagus, starry eartheater

A recently described eartheater cichlid from the Uruguay River drainage, named for the iridescent blue spots scattered over the head and body. Males develop a forehead hump and colourful fins, and keepers value it for its natural sand sifting behaviour and subtropical habits.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

16 to 26 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

A group of 1 male with several females, or a larger group

Diet

Omnivore: sifts sand for small invertebrates; accepts sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Uruguay River basin, Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul)

Breeding

Like other members of the gymnogeophagine group it is a mouthbrooder, with the female picking up the eggs after spawning on a flat surface. It breeds fairly readily in captivity when given a cooler winter period followed by warmer spring temperatures.

Good to know

A subtropical species that benefits from seasonal temperature changes and should not be kept permanently warm. Provide fine sand so it can feed naturally, and expect territorial behaviour from males when spawning.