Silver-Spotted Eartheater (Geophagus argyrostictus) Care Guide
Geophagus argyrostictus is a Rio Xingú eartheater that is more aggressive than most relatives and needs a group.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Geophagus argyrostictus is an eartheater cichlid associated with the Rio Xingú in Brazil. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 24.2 cm. Among Geophagus it stands out as more aggressive than most congeners, which influences its tank-mate selection.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus argyrostictus
Habitat
FishBase places the species in the Amazon River basin, in the Xingu River from Cachoeira von Martius to Belo Monte, and in the Curuá River basin. Seriously Fish describes rocky shore areas with clear water and gently sloping marginal zones with sand, fine gravel and mud, sometimes with scattered rocks, submerged roots and branches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 1–4 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as a benthophagous substrate-sifter. In the aquarium it takes small live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia alongside high-quality fine-grade prepared foods, with vegetable matter such as Spirulina included; several small portions per day are recommended.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish notes that Geophagus argyrostictus is markedly more aggressive than most other Geophagus species. Groups of five to eight individuals help diffuse aggression. It can coexist with small characids, while other cichlids are generally best avoided.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish it is a substrate spawner depositing roughly 200–250 eggs, which hatch in about three days at 27 °C; both parents typically guard the fry.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List classifies Geophagus argyrostictus as Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018).
Geophagus argyrostictus Breeding Guide
Overview
Geophagus argyrostictus is an eartheater from the Rio Xingu in Brazil. Unlike most of its congeners, which practise mouthbrooding, Seriously Fish reports that this species is a substrate-spawner adopting a fairly basic strategy. The note below records that this differs from the genus-level mouthbrooding assumption: follow the species source.
Sexing
Juveniles cannot be reliably sexed externally; during spawning the female's ovipositor is clearly visible. Mature males are slightly larger with longer fins, and dominant males develop a pronounced nuchal hump.
Conditioning
There does not appear to be any particular trigger for spawning. The main requirements are a good diet and a stringent maintenance regime involving relatively large weekly water changes.
Breeding Setup
- Soft sand with flat surfaces for egg deposition; a tank base of at least 150 × 45 cm
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (Seriously Fish maintenance range)
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (Seriously Fish)
- Hardness: 18-179 ppm (Seriously Fish)
- Large weekly water changes
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Courtship involves fin flaring, circling, gaping and head-jerking displays. As a substrate-spawner the pair deposits eggs on a chosen surface; there is no specific environmental trigger beyond good diet and water management.
Egg & Fry Care
Up to 200-250 eggs may be deposited. Eggs hatch after approximately three days (about 70 hours at 27 °C). Fry accept good-quality powdered dry foods, Artemia nauplii and microworm as soon as the free-swimming stage is reached.
Common Challenges
This is a blackwater species requiring soft, acidic, scrupulously clean water, which makes it more demanding than many group members. Because eggs are guarded on the substrate rather than brooded in the mouth, they are more exposed to fungus and tankmates, so close attention to water quality and territory defence is needed.