Geophagus Advice

[powerdyne6]

I am still in the research stage on which fish I would like to have in my 75 gallon community tank.

I have been looking at a Geophagus species and have some questions. My tap water has a PH of 7 or lower and my water is soft. Are these water conditions suitable for this fish?

Most importantly Is there a species of this fish that a 75 Gallon tank can accommodate? Are some smaller than others? What size group should these be kept in?

I am sure I will have a few more questions later on

Thanks

 

[Wills]

Soft water with a below neutral ph is great for the Geo species and a 75g is a good sized tank but I’d be tempted to stay at the smaller end of things like Pindare, Pyrophaceus, Svenii or Winemilleri. That list is in size order from 6-8 inches but not all Winemilleri will get the full 8 inches.

I’d go for a group of 5 and preferably keep them as the only cichlid in the tank with a community of interesting characins and catfish around them.

Wills

 

[powerdyne6]

Soft water with a below neutral ph is great for the Geo species and a 75g is a good sized tank but I’d be tempted to stay at the smaller end of things like Pindare, Pyrophaceus, Svenii or Winemilleri. That list is in size order from 6-8 inches but not all Winemilleri will get the full 8 inches.

I’d go for a group of 5 and preferably keep them as the only cichlid in the tank with a community of interesting characins and catfish around them.

Wills

Thanks Wills

I will at a few species on the smaller side. That being said are they expected to grow to their full size when being kept in the aquarium? Or are these just myths?

I like that you mentioned Characins. I have a group of 10 Penguin Tetras that will be moving I to this tank when I get it setup. I would like to get some more of these.

When you say catfish what species are you referring to as some get fairly large? Would a group of Dwarf Chain Loaches be good with the Geophagus? I have been looking at those as well.

Thanks

 

[Wills]

Thanks Wills

I will at a few species on the smaller side. That being said are they expected to grow to their full size when being kept in the aquarium? Or are these just myths?

I like that you mentioned Characins. I have a group of 10 Penguin Tetras that will be moving I to this tank when I get it setup. I would like to get some more of these.

When you say catfish what species are you referring to as some get fairly large? Would a group of Dwarf Chain Loaches be good with the Geophagus? I have been looking at those as well.

Thanks

With Geophagus I've found that the stated size is more of a maximum size, quite a bit of difference in genders and also in a hierarchy between males. With something like Winemilleri I'd expect 6-8 inches or Pyrophalceus I'd expect 5-7 inches, though 7 is exceptional. The bigger species like Altifrons a small one would be 8-9 inches but 10-12 inches is possible. Some Satanoperca species might also work in a 75 - Atuiceps would be great and a good looking fish. They are all big fish though, my Winemilleri were between 6-7 inches, maybe one from memory was a little smaller.

Penguins would be a good choice, upper water swimmers and quite a good size. Some Geos can eat small tetras but I think Penguins would be ok - I kept my Winemilleri with Lemon Tetras.

Dwarf Chain Loaches would be ok but it could be nice to keep it with just South American fish so something like a large Cory species or Flag Tail Catfish would be great. Or something like some kind of Wood Cat species could be nice as something different or even more different something like a Hassar or Trachydoras species? Emerald Catfish would be a good option too. Then you get onto the sucker mouths - loads of nice Whiptail catfish around these days or small plecos - Flash Plecs, Blue Panaques, Green Phantoms would all do great in here.

 

[Ichthys]

The Red Head Tapajos is G. pyrocephalus, not pyrophaceus or pyrophalceus.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Here are two good articles about the Eartheater fish which consist of Geophagus, Gymnogeophagus, Biodotoma, Guianacara, etc:

A Survey of Eartheaters | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

Eartheaters come in an array of shapes, colors, and sizes. These standout species have plenty to offer!

www.tfhmagazine.com

Picking the Right Eartheater Cichlids | Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

The eartheater fish are a highly variable group of South American cichlids. This article outlines the great differences between species.

www.tfhmagazine.com

Check Seriously fish for their full size though may not necessarily be accurate:

Geophagus sp. ‘orange head’ — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com