Geophagus Winemilleri

The winemilleri is also called the striped tail geophagus for the bright red markings on the tail, which also mark the bright ventral fins. Eartheaters are a group of species, most belonging to the genus Geophagus, that share physical characteristics (when you see an eartheater, you know it’s an eartheater) and behavioral characteristics: they eat earth and spit it out. Winemilleri are fished in the Brazil portion of the Amazon basin. At two inches the color begins to show on the fins.

Currently the breeder has limited stock, and the fish are coming in quite small.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Eartheaters sift sand through their gills, so use a fine sand bottom (no sharp gravel). Give them open sand areas, driftwood and some rocks. Good filtration and clean water are important.

Feeding: Feed a quality sinking pellet or granule once or twice a day. Sinking foods let them feed naturally by sifting the sand. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Eartheaters do well with other peaceful South American fish of similar size, such as angelfish, severums, festivums, larger tetras, hatchetfish and plecos. Avoid aggressive cichlids that would bully them.

Good to know: Many eartheaters are mouthbrooders. Watch for parents taking eggs or fry into their mouths for protection.