Gymnogeophagus terrapurpura Care Guide
Gymnogeophagus terrapurpura is a recently described eartheater cichlid endemic to Uruguay, a substrate brooder of cool subtropical waters.
Overview
Gymnogeophagus terrapurpura is an eartheater cichlid endemic to Uruguay, described in 2016 by Loureiro, Zarucki, Malabarba and González-Bergonzoni. It is distinguished by a dorsal fin marked with diagonal bright blue stripes over a red background, plus round and elliptical spots in the soft section. Like its relatives it tolerates the cooler seasonal water of subtropical South America.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Geophaginae
- Genus: Gymnogeophagus
- Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus terrapurpura
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Uruguay, where it inhabits shallow lakes, floodplain lakes, rivers and streams, mainly associated with cobble, sandy or muddy substrates. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (66 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
FishBase describes an omnivorous diet of zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and periphyton. Feeding declines through autumn and winter as temperatures fall. A varied aquarium diet of granular, flake and frozen foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, semi-aggressive cichlid that becomes territorial during breeding. It suits robust tankmates of similar size; as a sand-sifter it is unsuited to delicate planted layouts, and very small fish or shrimp may be at risk.
Breeding
According to FishBase the species is a substrate brooder with substantial parental care. The reproductive season runs from November to January, and breeding adults show aggressive territorial behaviour.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).