Gymnogeophagus labiatus

Gymnogeophagus labiatus is one of the earth eaters from South America. Males can grow up to a maximum length of 17 cm. Breeding them is not an easy task.

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Gymnogeophagus labiatus

Gymnogeophagus labiatus was first described by Hensel in 1870. The genus name Gymnogeophagus can be broken down into three parts: “gymnos,” which means bald or naked, referring to the scaleless cheeks; “geo,” meaning earth; and “phagus,” derived from the Greek word “phagein,” which means to eat. Thus, “Geophagus” translates to “Earth Eater.” The species name “labiatus” refers to the distinctive thick lips of this particular species.

Synonyms: Geophagus labiatus, Geophagus scymnophilus, Geophagus bucephalus.

Description

Males of the Gymnogeophagus labiatus species can grow to a total length of approximately 17 centimeters, while females are smaller, reaching about 13 centimeters. Males also exhibit a noticeable forehead hump and tend to be more colorful than females. Both sexes develop thick lips that are quite pronounced.

It is a quiet and peaceful, somewhat shy fish that defends a small territory. They can be kept with other peaceful South American cichlids.

Origin

The distribution area of Gymnogeophagus labiatus includes the Rio Grande do Sul, Río Olimar in Uruguay, and the Rio Santa Maria in southern Brazil. They inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams over sand or gravel.

The water temperature in summer can reach approximately 30 degrees Celsius, while in winter it cools down to about 10 degrees Celsius.

The aquarium

Gymnogeophagus labiatus requires an aquarium that is at least 1.5 meters long. The tank should be decorated with hard plants, stones, and driftwood to provide ample hiding places. The substrate should consist of sand, as these fish, known as earth eaters, sift through the sand with their gills to search for food particles.

Since this species originates from fast-flowing waters, they benefit from a powerful filter that creates a strong current. Additionally, regular water changes are essential for maintaining the health of the fish.

They require a cooler resting period in winter, lasting up to four months. An unheated aquarium placed in a cool location will suffice.

Water parameters

Temperature: 23-25 Celsius
PH: 7-8
GH: 5-15

Diet

Gymnogeophagus labiatus are omnivores and can be fed both live and frozen foods, such as mosquito larvae, water fleas, mysis, krill, and green foods like spirulina. It is important to provide a sufficient variety of food, including dry food as a supplement.

Breeding Gymnogeophagus labiatus

The breeding of Gymnogeophagus labiatus is quite challenging, with about 30 eggs laid on the substrate and fertilized. The female takes care of the brood, looking after and guarding the clutch.

After the eggs hatch, she takes the fry into her mouth. After 10 to 12 days, the fry are released and can be reared with artemia nauplii.

Video

Author

Coby
John de Lange

References

Datz 2/2010 – pagina 8-13
Fishbase

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Additional information

Family

Genus

Species

labiatus

Synonym

Geophagus bucephalus, Geophagus labiatus, Geophagus scymnophilus

First described by

Reinhold Friedrich Hensel

Character

Breeding behaviour

Diet

Zone

Origin

Country

,

ecosystem

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Minimum length

13

Length maximum

17

Temperature minimum

23

Temperature maximum

25

pH minimum

7.0

pH maximum

8.0

GH minimum

5

GH max

15