Geophagus surinamensis – Redstriped Eartheater
Geophagus surinamensis can reach a length of about 25 to 30 cm. This fish has beautiful blue, green, and red iridescent colors. Their common name is Red Striped Eartheater.
The Redstriped Eartheaer is a peaceful fish and is not very territorial, sometimes they can even be shy. They can only be a bit aggressive during the breeding season. They can be kept together with conspecifics and other calm cichlids.
Origin
Suriname, Guyana.
The Aquarium
Geophagus surinamensis requires an aquarium of at least 1.50 meters. Set up the aquarium with hard plants, stones and driftwood so that sufficient hiding places are created. The plants are best anchored in a flower pot in the ground. The bottom should consist of sand or very fine round gravel, do not use sharp gravel as they could injure themselves. This species likes to dig in the soil in search of food, so it is advisable to change the water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 22.25 degrees Celsius.
PH: 7-7,5
GH: 8-12
Diet
Geophagus surinamensis is an omnivore, both live food and frozen food can be given, such as black, red, and white mosquito larvae, daphnia, and shrimp. Also, vegetable food such as lettuce, cucumber, spirulina, and food tablets can be given. Make sure the food sinks to the bottom.
Breeding Geophagus surinamensis
The breeding of Geophagus surinamensis is quite simple, up to 200-250 eggs are deposited and fertilized on a flat stone or in a breeding pit, then taken in the mouth by both parents. The fry are released after about 3 days. Both parents have brood care. In case of danger, the young are taken back in the mouth. The fry can be reared with brine shrimp nauplii.
Video
Author
Coby
Copyright images
Chris Eekels
