All fish / Cichlidae

Gymnogeophagus tiraparae

Gymnogeophagus tiraparae

Also known as tirapare eartheater, tiraparae, gymnogeophagus sp. rio negro

A small, subtropical eartheater with a deep body, iridescent blue spangling on the face and flanks, and a long dorsal fin. Males are the more colourful sex and display well, so it suits keepers interested in South American cichlids from cooler waters.

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 foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality sinking pellets and some plant matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Uruguay and southern Brazil: Rio Negro and Rio Uruguay basins

Breeding

It is a substrate spawner rather than a mouthbrooder, laying eggs on a flat surface or in a pit with both parents guarding the young. It breeds fairly readily once given a cool winter period followed by warmer conditions.

Good to know

Needs a seasonal cool period of several weeks at around 16 to 18°C to stay healthy long term, so it should not be kept warm all year. Males can become territorial when spawning, and the fish sifts sand, so use a soft sandy substrate.