TankBud

Eartheater cichlid

Geophagus altifrons

FreshwaterFish

Eartheater cichlid (Geophagus altifrons)
Hectonichus · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
79–90°F
26–32°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
9.8 in
25 cm
Minimum tank
172 gal
650 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Mouthbrooder · Hard
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Brazil

Overview

The eartheater cichlid is a large Brazilian cichlid for the lower and middle water of a big, sandy tank. It is a manageable fish for a keeper with some experience and plenty of room.

Did you know

The eartheater cichlid feeds by scooping up a mouthful of sand and sorting out the edible bits inside. It spits the clean grains back out through its gills and mouth. A group working a sandy bottom keeps it churned and clean.

Caring for the eartheater cichlid

Give a group of eartheater cichlids at least 172 gal (650 L). Sand is essential, and it must be soft, since sharp substrate damages the gills and mouth. Add some driftwood and smooth rocks.

Keep the water warm and soft, at 79 to 90°F (26 to 32°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods and small live foods.

Keep a group of five or more, which spreads out any squabbling. Despite its size, the eartheater cichlid is peaceful and generally gentle. It mixes well with other calm, larger fish that can take the same warm, soft water.

It is a mouthbrooder, and the parents hold the eggs and fry in their mouths for protection. Breeding it is hard.

Good to know

The eartheater cichlid, Geophagus altifrons, is a large cichlid in the family Cichlidae. The name eartheater comes from its sand-sifting feeding style.

In the wild

The eartheater cichlid comes from warm, clear rivers in Brazil, often over sandy bottoms in slow to moderate flow.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The eartheater cichlid is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does an eartheater cichlid need?

An eartheater cichlid needs at least 172 gal (650 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does an eartheater cichlid need?

An eartheater cichlid is comfortable at 79–90°F (26–32°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does an eartheater cichlid eat?

An eartheater cichlid eats a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods and small live foods.

How big does an eartheater cichlid get?

An adult eartheater cichlid reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).

Does an eartheater cichlid need a group?

Yes. An eartheater cichlid is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does an eartheater cichlid breed?

Eartheater cichlids are mouthbrooders. The parents protect the eggs and fry by holding them in their mouths. Breeding them is hard.

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