Altifrons Eartheater (Geophagus altifrons) Care Guide
Geophagus altifrons is a peaceful sand-sifting eartheater from the middle-to-lower Amazon, best kept in groups.
Overview
Geophagus altifrons is a large eartheater cichlid from the Amazon River basin. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 26.5 cm. Like other members of the genus it sifts substrate continuously in search of food. It is best maintained as a group in spacious aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus altifrons
Habitat
FishBase places the species in the Amazon River basin in Brazil. Seriously Fish details tributaries of the middle and lower Amazon, including the Xingú, Tapajós, Trombetas, Madeira and Negro rivers. It occupies lower river reaches with clear or black water and sandy, fine-gravel or muddy substrates in marginal zones around shores and islands.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- GH: 2–8 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as a benthophagous substrate-sifter that consumes small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, seeds and organic detritus. In the aquarium it accepts fine-grade prepared foods plus bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, ideally offered in several small daily portions.
Compatibility
The species is surprisingly peaceful except when breeding and forms dominance hierarchies within the group. Seriously Fish recommends groups of at least five to eight individuals. A soft sand substrate is required for natural sifting behaviour.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, Geophagus altifrons is a substrate-spawning, biparental mouthbrooder, producing up to roughly 200 eggs per spawn.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List classifies Geophagus altifrons as Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018).