Redstripe Eartheater Care Guide
Geophagus surinamensis is an eartheater cichlid endemic to Suriname and neighbouring rivers. A peaceful substrate sifter best kept in groups.
Overview
Geophagus surinamensis is a substrate-sifting cichlid known as the redstripe eartheater. According to FishBase it is restricted to the Saramacca and Suriname rivers in Suriname and the Marowijne (Maroni) river of Suriname and French Guiana. It is the type species of a wider group, and many similar Geophagus are sold under its name in the trade even though true G. surinamensis is rarely exported. The fish digs into the substrate with its protractile mouth in search of food, a behaviour typical of the eartheaters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus surinamensis
- Common names: Redstripe Eartheater, Surinam Eartheater
Habitat
Adults inhabit mud and sand-bottomed channels in the river systems of Suriname and French Guiana. These are freshwater environments where the species lives close to the bottom and forages over open substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal)
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Group size: keep at least 5 individuals to spread aggression
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore with herbivorous tendencies and feeds by sifting substrate. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of sinking prepared foods supplemented with small live and frozen invertebrates. A fine sand bed allows it to feed naturally without damaging its gills.
Compatibility
Geophagus surinamensis is generally peaceful for a cichlid of its size and forms a noticeable dominance hierarchy within a group. A minimum group of five or more is recommended, as weaker individuals can be harassed when kept in smaller numbers and the group may behave nervously. It should not be combined with very small tankmates that could be eaten, nor with overtly aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
It is a larvophilous mouthbrooder in which parents form pairs. Spawning occurs on flat stones or in shallow pits dug in the sand, and the parents take the larvae into their mouths to brood them after the eggs hatch.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2023). The species is taken in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade across its range.