Abalios Eartheater (Geophagus abalios) Care Guide
Geophagus abalios is a peaceful Venezuelan eartheater from the Orinoco that sifts sand and is best kept in groups.
Overview
Geophagus abalios is a South American cichlid known as an eartheater for its habit of taking up mouthfuls of substrate and sifting them for food. According to FishBase it is restricted to the Orinoco and Casiquiare drainages in Venezuela. It is a benthopelagic species that grows to roughly 190–200 mm standard length, reported by Seriously Fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus abalios
Habitat
Seriously Fish reports the species from Venezuelan Llanos tributaries such as the Ríos Apure, Cinaruco and Capanaparo, and from the middle and upper Orinoco, extending south toward the río Casiquiare near the río Negro headwaters. It occupies lowland floodplain rivers with clear or black water of low pH and negligible conductivity, over soft sand or mud with roots, branches and leaf litter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH: 5.0–6.8
- GH: 1–6 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
Diet
The species is benthophagous, sifting substrate for small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, plant seeds and detritus in nature. In the aquarium it accepts high-quality fine-grade prepared foods together with small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes Geophagus abalios as surprisingly peaceful outside of breeding. It is gregarious and a group of at least five to eight individuals is recommended to spread out social interactions. A fine sand substrate is essential so the fish can sift naturally.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish it is a substrate-spawning, biparental mouthbrooder. A brood may contain up to about 200 eggs, with fry becoming free-swimming around 8–11 days.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List lists Geophagus abalios as Least Concern (assessed 28 October 2020).