What is unique about the cichlid fish?
Cichlids are rather deep-bodied and have one nostril (rather than the usual two) on each side of the head. The lateral line is discontinuous, and there are three or more anal spines. They generally have rounded tails and, though sizable for aquarium fishes, usually do not grow longer than about 30 cm (12 inches).
What is a Earth eater fish?
The eartheaters are a highly variable group of South American cichlids. Within it, there are species that barely exceed 10 cm (4 inches), or are even smaller, as well as those measuring almost 30 cm (12 inches) or more. Some of them are peaceful fish, while others can literally terrorize the entire tank.
How many Geophagus should be kept together?
How many Geophagus can live together? Like all Geophagus, they prefer to be kept in groups of 4+ but will be okay as a breeding pair. They get along well with larger tetras and most South American cichlids. They are a larger species of Geophagus and will fit well with large South American fish.
How big do earth eaters get?
The majority of eartheaters are fairly large cichlids. The largest can reach 30 cm (12 inches), but the average size is 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 inches). This group contains such genera as Acarichthys, Biotodoma, Geophagus, Guianacara, Gymnogeophagus, and Satanoperca.
Why are cichlids so popular?
Malawi cichlids are popular around the world because they add so much life and color to tropical freshwater aquariums everywhere. Nothing compares to the wild patterns and intense colors of these rare tropical fish.
Are cichlids smart?
Additionally, cichlids seem highly intelligent and responsive to their environment in the aquarium, unlike tetras or minnows. In short, the complex behavior of cichlid fish is one of the principal attractions for keeping them in the home aquarium.
Why is it called demon Eartheater cichlid?
Feeding behavior and diet Like some other Geophagini cichlids, the common name ‘eartheater’ is attributed to their common feeding strategy of sifting through substrate (e.g., sand, small rock, silt) for food, where mouthfuls of substrate are taken up and sorted in the buccal cavity for food items.
How big do geophagus Altifrons get?
Geophagus Altifron males grow up to three inches long while females only grow two inches in length on average.
Are Severums a community fish?
Severum Cichlid require a minimum size of 45 gallons. If you want to keep a community of fish, you’ll need a bigger tank. Large aquariums give the active Severum Cichlid the area it needs to swim around in.
Is geophagus Hardy?
While they are hardy fish, they may be susceptible to certain bacterial and viral infections. The Red-striped Eartheater (Geophagus Surinamensis), is one of the most peaceful species of cichlid one can keep.
Are cichlids easy to care for?
Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) They are beautiful, active and easy to care for fish, and often are sold by the local fish store as a “community tank” fish. That is well and good — if the community tank consists of other very active, very aggressive and very nasty fishes.