Please contact store for availability as this item is not available all year round
Redhump eartheater - Geophagus steindachneri
Scientific name: Geophagus steindachneri
Common name: Redhump eartheater
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 18 - 20 cm (7.09 - 7.87 inch)
014
Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 17°N (89.29 - 303.57ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
In the aquarium Redhump eartheaters will accept most foods offered. For the staple diet use a quality flake but vary the diet with finely chopped vegetables, blood worms and shelled peas.
Origin
South America; Redhump eartheaters are found in the water ways of the Rio Magdalena, Colombia.
Sexing
Males will be more colourful and have larger red areas at the side of their mouth. They will also grow the nuchal hump as they mature.
Breeding
Redhump eartheaters are maternal mouth brooders, the male takes on no parenting at all and will attempt to breed with several females at the same time. As soon as the eggs are fertilised, the female will scoop them up and hold them for incubation. When the fry are released, the can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Geophagus steindachneri is 12 years.
Short description
Geophagus steindachneri are relatively easy to care for, their minimum tank size should be 50 gallons but only keep one male per tank. They will sift the substrate for their food so the addition of live plants is not necessary as they will uproot them.