Common Eartheater (Geophagus proximus) Care Guide
Geophagus proximus is a hardy Amazon eartheater often confused with G. surinamensis in the trade, best kept in groups.
Overview
Geophagus proximus is an Amazonian eartheater cichlid widely available to aquarists. Seriously Fish reports a maximum of about 200–225 mm standard length. It is frequently confused with G. surinamensis in the trade, where related species are often shipped under that name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus proximus
Habitat
Seriously Fish reports the species from the Rio Amazonas system in Peru and Brazil, including the Río Ucayali, the Solimões–Amazon mainstream and the rio Trombetas with its tributaries. It occupies lower river reaches and floodplain lakes with clear or black water over sandy, gravelly or muddy substrates in marginal zones.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- GH: 2–12 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as feeding on small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, plant material and detritus. In the aquarium it accepts fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes Geophagus proximus 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 over a sand substrate.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, Geophagus proximus is a substrate-spawning, ovophilous biparental mouthbrooder, producing broods of up to roughly 200 eggs.