All fish / Cichlidae

Missioneiro Eartheater

Gymnogeophagus missioneiro

Also known as gymnogeophagus missioneiro, missioneiro

This is a small eartheater cichlid described in 2015 from the upper Uruguay River drainage. Males have a high forehead hump in breeding season and show blue iridescent spangling on the head and fins over a silvery body. Keepers like it for its sand-sifting habits and its tolerance of cooler subtropical water.

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

150 litres

Keep as

A pair or one male with several females

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen invertebrates such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus sinking granules

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Uruguay River basin, southern Brazil and Argentina

Breeding

It is thought to be a mouthbrooder, as other members of its species group are, with the female carrying the eggs and young. Captive breeding records are few, but related species spawn readily when kept through a cooler winter period.

Good to know

It comes from a subtropical area and needs a cooler spell in winter to stay healthy over the long term. Give it fine sand so it can sift, and watch for males squabbling over territory when breeding.