Geophagus surinamensis, commonly known as the Redstriped Eartheater, is a beautiful and relatively peaceful South American cichlid famous for its iridescent green, blue, and red coloration. True to their "eartheater" nickname, these fish scoop up mouthfuls of substrate, sift out food particles, and expel the remaining sand through their gills.
Quick Aquarium Care Summary
• Tank Size: Minimum 100 gallons (approx. 380 litres) for adult fish due to their size and waste production.
• Substrate: Strictly fine, smooth sand. Gravel or sharp substrates can permanently damage their delicate mouths and gills while they sift.
• Water Parameters: Temperature 22–27°C (72–82°F), pH 6.0–7.5, and soft water. They require pristine water conditions with robust filtration.
• Diet: Omnivorous bottom-feeders. They should be fed small, frequent meals of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
• Maximum Size: They can grow up to 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) in adulthood, though aquarium specimens typically stay slightly smaller.
Key Behavior & Compatibility
While many cichlids are highly aggressive, the Redstriped Eartheater is generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive, similarly-sized species. However, they are highly territorial toward their own kind and other fish specifically during spawning. They are larvophile mouthbrooders; after breeding, parents carry the eggs and young fry inside their mouths to protect them from danger.
SKU: RT-612
