Geophagus altifrons ( Altamira ) 3″-4″

Geophagus altifrons, specifically from Altamira, is a variation of the popular Altifrons Eartheater Cichlid found in the rivers and tributaries of South America, particularly near the Altamira region in the Amazon basin. This species is notable for its peaceful demeanor, sand-sifting behavior, and beautiful coloration, which makes it a favorite in the aquarium hobby. As an eartheater, it spends much of its time sifting through the substrate in search of food, a behavior that is both fascinating to watch and beneficial for the tank’s ecosystem.

• Size: Adult Geophagus altifrons can reach around 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length.
• Coloration: This species exhibits a silvery-gray to light gold body with iridescent blue, green, and red highlights. Their fins are often edged in red or orange, and their bodies may have faint vertical bars that become more pronounced during stress or breeding. The Altamira variety tends to show more intense and vivid colorations, possibly due to slight geographic variations.
• Body Shape: Geophagus altifrons has a typical cichlid body shape, with a sloping forehead and a large, laterally compressed body. They have long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, with males displaying more pronounced extensions than females.

• Temperament: They are generally peaceful for their size and make great community tank members when housed with other non-aggressive fish. Geophagus altifrons thrives in groups of 4-6 individuals, as they are social by nature.
• Activity: These fish spend much of their time near the bottom, sifting through sand in search of food, a behavior they are famous for. Their constant “eartheating” helps keep the substrate aerated and free from debris.

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75-100 gallons is recommended for a group of Geophagus altifrons, as they require space to swim and explore.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
  • pH: 5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for Geophagus altifrons as it allows them to perform their natural sand-sifting behavior without damaging their delicate mouths.
• Décor: Provide a tank with plenty of hiding places using rocks, driftwood, and plants. Floating plants can also help reduce light intensity, mimicking their natural habitat. Ensure there is enough open space for swimming and substrate sifting.
• Filtration and Water Flow: Strong filtration is essential to maintain high water quality. They also appreciate moderate water flow, similar to their native rivers, to oxygenate the water.

Geophagus altifrons is omnivorous, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding behavior, which includes sifting through the substrate for small invertebrates and plant material.

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets designed for cichlids or omnivores.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Treat them with live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp to add protein to their diet.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini can be offered occasionally.
• Sand-Sifting Behavior: As natural substrate sifters, they prefer food that sinks to the bottom. Their constant sifting helps them find small particles of food, so a diet that mimics this behavior is ideal.

Breeding Geophagus altifrons is possible in captivity, although it can be a bit challenging.

• Spawning Behavior: Geophagus altifrons are delayed mouthbrooders. After spawning, the female typically carries the eggs in her mouth for protection, and both parents may help care for the fry. The fry hatch after several days and remain in the parents’ care for a few weeks.
• Breeding Conditions: To encourage breeding, keep the water at the warmer end of their preferred temperature range (around 28-30°C or 82-86°F) and ensure the water is soft and slightly acidic.
• Fry Care: Once free-swimming, fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.

• Tankmates: Geophagus altifrons can be housed with other peaceful or semi-aggressive species, such as tetras, rasboras, angelfish, Festivum, or peaceful catfish like Corydoras or Plecos. Avoid overly aggressive fish that could stress them out.
• Social Structure: They do best in groups of at least 4-6 fish to feel secure. This also helps prevent dominant individuals from overly bullying the others.
• Water Quality: Clean water is vital for their health, so frequent water changes and strong filtration are essential.

Geophagus altifrons from the Altamira region is a fantastic choice for aquarists looking for a beautiful, active, and peaceful cichlid. Its unique feeding habits, combined with its striking colors, make it a focal point in any well-maintained aquarium.