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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Geophagus brasiliensis Breeding Guide
Overview
Geophagus brasiliensis, the pearl eartheater, is a large, hardy cichlid of coastal drainages of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay, including the Patos Lagoon and Rio Uruguay systems. FishBase records a maximum length of about 28 cm and notes it tolerates a very wide temperature range. Unlike the mouthbrooding Amazonian eartheaters, AquaInfo confirms it is an open substrate spawner with biparental care, making it one of the easier eartheaters to breed.
Sexing
Reliable external sexual differences are not detailed in the consulted sources for this species; pairs are most easily obtained by raising a group and allowing a pair to form. AquaInfo notes the species can begin spawning from about 10 cm in length.
Conditioning
An omnivore, the pearl eartheater is conditioned on a varied diet. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, so stable, clean water and a roomy tank with sand and rockwork are sufficient to bring a pair into spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
Provide smooth round stones or flat surfaces, and AquaInfo notes flower pots are also readily used. AquaInfo gives breeding-suitable conditions of about 20-23 C and pH 6-7 with GH/KH around 5-8; the species' broad tolerance makes it forgiving of minor deviations.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
AquaInfo describes the pair digging and polishing a rock, on which the female deposits the eggs that the male fertilises. Nests can be very productive, containing as many as 600 to 800 eggs. A bonded pair and stable, clean water are the practical triggers.
Egg & Fry Care
According to AquaInfo the parents fiercely defend the eggs and fry against other fish. The fry can be raised on brine shrimp nauplii, moving on to larger foods as they grow.
Common Challenges
Breeding is generally straightforward, so the main issue is managing the parents' strong territorial aggression while guarding a brood, which can stress tankmates. Ample space and cover help keep aggression in check.