Cheek-stripe Eartheater

Special requirements

• Sand Substrate

  Essential for benthophagous 'earth-eating' behavior. Sifting substrate through gills is a natural requirement; gravel can cause injury or blockages.

• Pristine Water Quality

  Highly susceptible to deteriorating water quality and HLLE. Requires over-filtration and massive (50-70%) weekly water changes.

• Intraspecific Aggression

  Markedly more aggressive than most other Geophagus species. Must be kept in a group of 5-8 in a large aquarium to spread out antagonism.

• Substrate Spawning

  Unlike many congeners that mouthbrood, this species lays eggs on a solid surface (substrate spawning) and defends the site aggressively.