Geophagus altifrons (Tocantins) 3″-4″

Geophagus altifrons, commonly known as the Tocantins Eartheater, is a peaceful and striking cichlid species from the Geophaginae subfamily. It is found in the rivers of South America, particularly the Tocantins River basin in Brazil. The name “eartheater” comes from their unique habit of sifting through the substrate to find food. This species is known for its vibrant coloration, impressive finnage, and engaging behaviors, making it a popular choice in aquariums with a South American biotope theme.

• Size: Geophagus altifrons can grow up to 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in captivity, making it one of the larger species in the Geophagus genus.
• Coloration: This species is visually stunning, with a base color that ranges from silvery-gray to light gold. It is adorned with iridescent blue, green, and red hues on the body, face, and fins. The caudal and dorsal fins often display red edging, while the body may have faint horizontal or vertical stripes, depending on mood or breeding condition.
• Finnage: They have elongated, flowing dorsal and anal fins, with adult males generally developing more extended fin rays than females.

• Temperament: Despite their size, Geophagus altifrons is peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive species. They are social fish and should be kept in small groups (ideally 4-6 individuals) to reduce stress and aggressive behaviors.
• Activity: True to their name, they spend much of their time near the substrate, using their specialized mouthparts to sift through sand in search of food. They may be seen taking large mouthfuls of sand, sorting out edible particles, and then expelling the sand through their gills.

• Tank Size: Given their size and active nature, a tank of at least 75-100 gallons is recommended for a small group of Geophagus altifrons. Larger tanks are required for fully grown adults.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
  • pH: 5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Prefers soft to moderately hard water
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is critical, as these fish will constantly sift through it in search of food. Avoid sharp or rough substrates that could damage their delicate mouthparts.
• Décor: The tank should be decorated with rocks, driftwood, and sturdy plants. Floating plants can help dim the light, which mimics their natural environment and makes them feel more secure. Open swimming spaces are also important, so avoid overcrowding the tank with too many decorations.
• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are necessary to maintain high water quality, as Geophagus altifrons is sensitive to poor water conditions. They also appreciate some water flow to simulate their natural river habitat.

Geophagus altifrons is omnivorous, and its diet in the wild consists mainly of small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. In captivity, they will accept a wide range of foods.

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets formulated for cichlids or omnivorous fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and daphnia are excellent protein sources.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini can be offered occasionally to provide fiber.
• Dietary Habits: Because of their natural behavior of sifting substrate, it’s best to feed them sinking foods that reach the bottom of the tank.

Breeding Geophagus altifrons can be accomplished in a home aquarium, but it requires specific conditions.

• Spawning Behavior: They are delayed mouthbrooders. After spawning, the female will take the eggs into her mouth for protection, but both parents may care for the brood. The fry hatch in the mouth, and the parents will continue to protect them for several weeks.
• Breeding Conditions: To trigger spawning, the water should be soft, slightly acidic, and warm (around 28-30°C or 82-86°F). Providing flat surfaces like rocks or slate for spawning can encourage breeding.
• Care of Fry: Once the fry are released, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. It’s important to provide a stress-free environment for the fry to grow properly.

• Substrate Maintenance: Due to their sand-sifting behavior, a soft substrate is essential for their health. Regular substrate cleaning is necessary, as their constant digging can stir up debris.
• Tankmates: Geophagus altifrons does well with other peaceful, medium-sized fish. Suitable tankmates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids (such as angelfish or Uaru), and catfish species like Corydoras or Plecos. Avoid aggressive or overly territorial species.
• Water Quality: They are sensitive to high nitrate levels, so regular water changes (around 20-30% weekly) are necessary to keep the water clean and healthy.

Geophagus altifrons is a wonderful addition to large, peaceful community tanks. Their stunning colors, peaceful temperament, and fascinating feeding behavior make them a captivating choice for experienced aquarists.