Geophagus Surinamensis

The surinamensis is a classic eartheater and is sometimes called the red-striped eartheater. These fish like to dig into substrate and make piles of small rocks or sand. Originally discovered in Suriname, most of these cichlids are caught in Venezuela and Colombia.

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.