Red Hump Eartheater Care Guide
Geophagus steindachneri is a Colombian eartheater cichlid whose dominant males develop a pronounced nuchal hump. A hardy maternal mouthbrooder.
Overview
Geophagus steindachneri is a substrate-sifting cichlid native to north-western South America, where it occurs in the Río Magdalena, Río Cauca and Río Sinú drainages of Colombia and the El Limón basin of north-western Venezuela. The species belongs to a group of fishes known as eartheaters for their habit of taking mouthfuls of sand and sifting out edible material. Dominant, sexually mature males develop a pronounced nuchal hump on the forehead, often reddish in colour, which is the feature behind the common name red hump eartheater. The species was named after the Austrian ichthyologist Franz Steindachner.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus steindachneri
- Common names: Red Hump Eartheater, Red Hump Geophagus
Habitat
In the wild the species favours forested streams, tributaries and backwaters with sandy bottoms. These waters are typically slightly acidic to neutral and warm. The fish spends much of its time over open sand, where it can carry out its characteristic sifting feeding behaviour.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (about 66 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Substrate: soft sand to allow natural sifting
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Geophagus steindachneri is an omnivore and a benthophagic feeder. Wild stomach contents consist mainly of small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, plant material such as seeds, organic detritus and sediment. In the aquarium it accepts fine-grade prepared foods together with small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia. Feeding several smaller portions through the day suits its sifting habits.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, bottom-dwelling cichlid. Adult males are strongly territorial towards rival males and in most tanks should be kept singly unless the aquarium is very large. It mixes best with robust, open-water companions; other bottom-dwelling species are best avoided because they compete for the same space. Very small fishes and shrimp are unsuitable as they may be eaten.
Breeding
The species is a maternal mouthbrooder that forms only temporary pair bonds. Spawning takes place over smooth rock or clean sand, after which the female takes the eggs into her mouth and incubates them, with the developing fry returning to her mouth for shelter for a further period after hatching.