Cichlid question

[JJason]

Hi, All. I was fascinated by this cichild at IPU burnaby. They're in the big show tank, constantly sucking sands and spouting sands. May I know

(1) What cichlid it is ?
(2) Any other cichlid having this behavior? I'd like to get some, if not too big. I know some cichlids move rocks, but I'm looking for those sucking/spouting sands like this one.
(3) What kind of sands would be the best ? (IPU staff told me that the tank's PH is 7.8).

Thanks !

[er201]

That is an earth eater cichlid from the GEOPHAGINE family. I`m not sure what kind exactly but as for substrate, fine sand is what i commonly see in alot of peoples set up

[SinisterKisses]

It's a Geophagus species. Altifrons and abalios seem to be the most common in shops these days. They're part of a family of what are called "eartheaters" due to that behaviour. There's a number of different Geo species, as well as some Satanoperca species, Gymnogeophagus species, and a few others in there as well that do it. See here:

Species Profiles -- Cichlid-Forum

Most get pretty big and need larger tanks, and are usually best in groups. Pretty much any sand will work - EXCEPT silica sand. It is too sharp and can damage their gills as they sift it through.

[Momobobo]

(1) What cichlid it is ?
(2) Any other cichlid having this behavior? I'd like to get some, if not too big. I know some cichlids move rocks, but I'm looking for those sucking/spouting sands like this one.
(3) What kind of sands would be the best ? (IPU staff told me that the tank's PH is 7.8).

1) It is Geophagus Altifrons. I have 3 Juvuniles from them when they were on sale. A mix of striping and spotting on the finnage would make it an Abalios, I am PRETTY sure, that they are Altifrons from IPU (finnage all spots).

2)Many Cichlids take in sand in their mouths, to shift or to move. But the most famous species for this behaviour are the genus Geophagus and related species (Satonperca, Acarichthys, etc)

Geophagus Red Hump ('Geophagus' steindachneri)
Geophagus Red Head (Geophagus sp. Tapajos 'Red head'),
and the Cupido Cichlid (Biotodoma cupido)
only reach around 6 inches (could get abit bigger).
(I am unsure if the Cupido Cichlid shifts sand, it used to be in the Geophagus genus but has been removed)

Keep singles or groups of 5-6+, otherwise the weaker member of the small group is going to take alot of abuse.

3) I use playsand, any fine sand will suffice. They can even be kept with gravel or baretank, but I don't understand the point of keeping them like this Naturally they would prefer a neutral or acidic pH, but commercial bred ones tend to acclimate to any water.

Juveniles

Sub Adult

Most get pretty big (10"-12") and are fairly agressive so take that into factor...

[charles]

and as they are from south america, best to keep the ph below 7. I usually have mine at 6.4-6.5 for those earth eater.

[JJason]

Thanks for the experts

Charles: Geophagus surnamensis in your stock is one of them ? It's beautiful. How big tank would it need ? And would it stay with Angel fish and in a tank with gravel ? Thanks !

[BelieveInBlue]

Geophagus surinamensis get about a foot i think, so it would need quite a big tank (300g+ i think?). Try red head or orange heads, they only get about 6inches.

[charles]

Biggest surinamensis i have seen is about 8". I love to see a 12" surinamensis in a tank. Would you be able to link me so I can see it myself.

[BelieveInBlue]

Have never seen a 12 inch one myself, but that seems to be the average max size that I see on various sites/forums.

[charles]

which sites, which forums? I know people eyeball fish size a lot.