Naked-Cheek Eartheater Care Guide
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys is a sand-sifting eartheater from Brazil and Uruguay that broods larvae in the mouth and tolerates cool subtropical water.
Overview
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys is an eartheater cichlid from southern South America. As with other members of the genus it sifts sandy substrate for food and tolerates the cooler seasonal temperatures typical of subtropical waters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Gymnogeophagus
- Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys
Habitat
FishBase records the species from freshwaters of Brazil and Uruguay. It is a benthopelagic fish; the reported temperature range for the species is around 21-24 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
- Temperature: 17-26 °C (63-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Substrate: sand for sifting
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
An omnivore whose common name reflects its sediment-feeding habit. The genus name derives from the Greek for naked, earth and to eat. A varied aquarium diet of granular, flake and frozen foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, semi-aggressive cichlid suited to robust tankmates of similar size. As a substrate-sifter it is not ideal for delicate planted aquaria, and very small fish or shrimp may be vulnerable.
Breeding
According to FishBase the species spawns on the substrate and is a larvophile mouthbrooder: the female protects the clutch and takes the larvae into her mouth after hatching. Males may spawn with several females or remain monogamous.