Xingu eartheater
Retroculus xinguensis
Also known as Xingu cichlid, Retroculus
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 79–86°F
- 26–30°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 9.8 in
- 25 cm
- Minimum tank
- 185 gal
- 700 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Substrate spawner · Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Rio Xingu basin of Para, Brazil, a rheophilic fish of clearwater rapids and fast runs over sand, gravel, and boulders.
Overview
The Xingu eartheater is a sand-sifting rapids cichlid that lives on the bottom of the tank. It is for experienced keepers only.
Did you know
The Xingu eartheater belongs to one of the earliest-branching lineages of New World cichlids.
Caring for the Xingu eartheater
Keep a group of Xingu eartheaters in a tank of at least 185 gal (700 L). Provide a sand and gravel bottom with smooth boulders.
It is a rapids fish that needs turbulent, oxygen-rich flow, the kind most aquariums never provide. Run strong current, keep oxygen high and keep the water pristine. Hold it at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. This specialist struggles in a still, poorly kept tank.
It sifts the sand for food. Feed sinking foods, frozen foods and live foods.
It is mostly peaceful but delicate. Choose its tank mates with caution, and acclimate wild imports carefully.
It digs a pit nest, then relocates the eggs during incubation. Breeding it is hard.
Good to know
Retroculus xinguensis is a member of the family Cichlidae, described by Gosse in 1971.
In the wild
The Xingu eartheater lives in the Rio Xingu basin of Para, Brazil. It is a rheophilic fish of clearwater rapids and fast runs over sand, gravel and boulders.
Common questions
What size tank does a Xingu eartheater need?
A Xingu eartheater needs at least 185 gal (700 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Xingu eartheater need?
A Xingu eartheater is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Xingu eartheater eat?
A Xingu eartheater eats sinking foods, frozen foods and live foods. It also sifts the sand for food.
How big does a Xingu eartheater get?
An adult Xingu eartheater reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).
How does a Xingu eartheater breed?
A Xingu eartheater digs a pit nest, then relocates the eggs during incubation. Breeding it is hard.
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