Geophagus steindachneri | Red Hump Eartheater
Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only
Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
Special Offer - Buy Any 5 Fish & Get 6th Fish Free Mix & Match
Offer is automatically applied when you add any six fish to cart
🐟 Geophagus steindachneri Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Geophagus steindachneri |
| Common Name | Red Hump Eartheater, Steindachner’s Eartheater |
| Origin | South America (Amazon Basin: Peru, Brazil, Colombia) |
| Adult Size | 20–25 cm (8–10 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, semi-aggressive when breeding |
| Tank Level | Bottom to mid-level |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 300+ liters (75+ gallons) for a single adult; larger for a group |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Fine sand (for sifting and digging) |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, caves, leaf litter |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; fish produces moderate waste |
Tips:
-
Provide plenty of open space for digging behavior.
-
Soft sand is essential to prevent damage to gill rakers.
-
Peaceful but can become territorial during breeding.
🔹 Diet
-
Type: Omnivorous / substrate feeder
-
Best Foods: Sinking pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex), blanched vegetables, occasional algae wafers.
-
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; supplement with variety for optimal health.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
-
Active bottom-dweller; constantly sifts substrate.
-
Peaceful with similarly sized fish; avoid very small tankmates.
-
Males may become colorful during breeding, displaying red humps on head.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
-
Other peaceful cichlids of similar size (Keyhole Cichlid, Apistogramma)
-
Silver Dollars
-
Larger tetras and barbs
-
Plecos and other large bottom-dwellers
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
-
Aggressive cichlids (Convicts, Jack Dempsey)
-
Very small fish that could be eaten
-
Fish that compete aggressively for substrate space
🐣 Breeding Info
-
Spawning Method: Substrate spawner; eggs deposited in sand pits or flat surfaces.
-
Parental Care: Both parents guard eggs and fry.
-
Fry Care: Feed microworms or infusoria until large enough for crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
🌿 Fun Facts
-
Named for its behavior of “eating the earth” by sifting sand for food.
-
Males develop distinct red humps on their heads during breeding.
-
Excellent centerpiece for South American cichlid tanks due to peaceful nature and striking appearance.
