Pearl Eartheater (Geophagus brasiliensis) Care Guide
Geophagus brasiliensis is a hardy, adaptable eartheater from coastal Brazil and Uruguay that tolerates a wide range of water.
Overview
Geophagus brasiliensis, the pearl cichlid, is a hardy eartheater from coastal river systems of eastern and southern South America. Seriously Fish describes it as a habitat generalist tolerant of varied conditions. Males reach roughly 200–250 mm while females are smaller at around 130–150 mm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus brasiliensis
Habitat
Seriously Fish reports the species from river systems of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay that drain into the Atlantic Ocean, spanning states from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul. It is a habitat generalist found across differing levels of water movement, turbidity and substrate, mainly in coastal drainages and lower river reaches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- GH: 5–18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes Geophagus brasiliensis as a generalised omnivore that consumes plant material, aquatic invertebrates such as chironomid larvae, ostracods and cladocerans, plus fish scales and fry. In captivity it accepts sinking dry foods along with live or frozen bloodworm and Artemia.
Compatibility
Males are territorial, particularly during spawning, and small tank mates may be predated. The species is therefore best paired with robust companions of similar size rather than very small fish or shrimp.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, Geophagus brasiliensis is a biparental substrate spawner, with both parents tending the eggs and fry.