Geophagus

Geophagus are the South American eartheaters, a group of cichlids that feed by taking mouthfuls of sand, filtering out anything edible and letting the rest pour back out through the gill covers. They do it constantly, and a group working across a sand bed is one of the more absorbing things to watch in freshwater fishkeeping. Several species and locality forms reach the trade under similar names, so ask us which one is in the tank before you buy.

Aquarium care

• A medium to large cichlid that needs a long tank with a wide open sand area.
• Fine soft sand is essential. Gravel stops them feeding naturally.
• Social. Keep a group of five or more so a hierarchy can form.
• Peaceful for cichlids, with squabbling mostly limited to display.
• Prefers soft, warm, well-filtered water.
• Omnivorous: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

Excellent with severums, angelfish, larger tetras and peaceful catfish in a big South American setup. Adult size varies between species, so confirm what you are buying.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current South American cichlids.