Photo: CHUCAO, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paraguay eartheater
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
20 cm
Adult size
300 L
Minimum volume
2
Minimum group
12 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Gymnogeophagus
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- pair
In the wild
Overview
This eartheater from southern South America is recognised by the strongly domed forehead of adult males. Several colour forms exist depending on the locality. A fascinating species, it is nevertheless for hobbyists able to provide the particular conditions it needs, including cooler water.
- Scientific name
- Gymnogeophagus balzanii (Perugia, 1891)
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Paraná basin (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina) and lower Uruguay (Uruguay, Brazil)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It lives away from the main channels, in slow tributaries and creeks.
Behaviour
Poorly suited to a community tank: males in particular tolerate other cichlids badly. Characins and medium-sized shoaling fish that occupy the top of the tank are generally left alone, provided they tolerate cooler water (Buenos Aires tetras, some Danio). It feeds only on the bottom: sinking food, small live or frozen prey and a little plant matter.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth