Dicrozoster Eartheater (Geophagus dicrozoster) Care Guide
Geophagus dicrozoster is a peaceful Orinoco eartheater from acidic blackwater that is kept in groups.
Overview
Geophagus dicrozoster is an eartheater cichlid from Venezuela, described by López-Fernández & Taphorn in 2004. Seriously Fish reports the largest type specimen at about 202 mm. It is a substrate-sifting species suited to soft, acidic water and group maintenance.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus dicrozoster
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Venezuela. Seriously Fish details Orinoco basin tributaries including the ríos Cinaruco, Cataniapo, Ventuari and Atabapo, plus the Caura and Caroní systems on the Guyana Shield. It favours acidic blackwater with soft sandy or muddy substrates and occurs more in still lagoons than in river channels, often in loose aggregations.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH: 5.0–6.8
- GH: 1–6 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as a benthophagous substrate-sifter feeding on small invertebrates, seeds and organic detritus. In captivity it requires fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, offered as multiple small meals.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes Geophagus dicrozoster as surprisingly peaceful outside breeding and unlikely to predate fish larger than a few millimetres. It is gregarious and should be kept in groups of at least five to eight individuals.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish it is a substrate-spawning, larvophilous biparental mouthbrooder; eggs hatch in approximately 72 hours and both parents share brood care.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List classifies Geophagus dicrozoster as Least Concern (assessed 28 October 2020).