Thick-Lip Eartheater Care Guide
Gymnogeophagus labiatus is a Brazilian eartheater cichlid notable for its thick lips; it sifts sand and is a larvophile mouthbrooder tolerant of cool water.
Overview
Gymnogeophagus labiatus is an eartheater cichlid from southern South America, distinguished by its prominent thick lips. Like other species in the genus it is a sand-sifting fish that tolerates cooler subtropical conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Gymnogeophagus
- Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus labiatus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Laguna dos Patos and Lagoa Mirim drainages of South America. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish.
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. The genus name reflects the eartheater habit of sifting substrate for food. A varied aquarium diet of granular, flake and frozen foods supports this species.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, semi-aggressive cichlid best kept with robust, similarly sized tankmates. As a sand-sifter it is unsuited to delicate planted layouts, and very small fish or shrimp may be at risk.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as a larvophile mouthbrooder, in which the parent cares for the larvae in the mouth after hatching.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.