Altifrons Eartheater (Geophagus altifrons) Care Guide
Geophagus altifrons is a peaceful sand-sifting eartheater from the middle-to-lower Amazon, best kept in groups.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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).
Geophagus altifrons Breeding Guide
Overview
Geophagus altifrons is a large, peaceful eartheater of the middle-to-lower Amazon basin, recorded by Seriously Fish from tributaries including the Tapajos, Xingu, Trombetas, Madeira, Negro and Purus. Seriously Fish describes it as a substrate-spawning, ovophilous, biparental mouthbrooder that has been bred on numerous occasions in aquaria. It is best kept in a group so a pair can form naturally.
Sexing
According to Seriously Fish, sexing is very difficult, with no external differences except during spawning when the ovipositor of the female is visible. The practical approach is to raise a group of juveniles and allow pairs to form.
Conditioning
As an omnivorous sand-sifter, the species is conditioned on a varied diet. A group in a large, sandy-bottomed tank with stable, warm, soft water encourages pair formation, after which a bonded pair will defend a spawning territory.
Breeding Setup
Provide a flat rock or driftwood as a spawning surface over a sand substrate. Seriously Fish reports breeding-suitable conditions of 26-32 C and pH 4.8-6.6 for wild fish, while noting that captive-bred specimens accept neutral conditions; fry develop at around 25-28 C.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Seriously Fish describes subtle courtship involving fin flaring, circling, gaping and head-jerking. Spawning occurs in typical substrate-spawning fashion, with the female laying rows of eggs that the male fertilises, repeated over several hours; maximum brood size is around 200 eggs. Warm, soft water and a well-conditioned pair are the practical triggers.
Egg & Fry Care
Being ovophilous, the parents take the eggs into the mouth. Seriously Fish notes the pair may mouthbrood simultaneously or exchange the entire brood roughly daily. At 25-28 C fry become free-swimming at 8-11 days, when the parents begin releasing them to feed, cautiously at first; fry accept powdered dry foods, Artemia nauplii and microworm.
Common Challenges
Sexing difficulty makes group rearing essential. Seriously Fish notes some males become aggressive after spawning and may drive the female away, so providing space and cover helps protect the holding parent and the brood.