Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” (Caquetá River)
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Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” (Caquetá River) Care Guide
(Juan Viejo Caquetá Geophagus)
The Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo”, also known as the Caquetá River Geophagus, is a species of earth-eating cichlid from the Amazon Basin, specifically the Caquetá River in Colombia. They are known for their colorful markings and unique behavior of sifting through the substrate in search of food, which is characteristic of many Geophagus species. As they grow, they develop a vibrant coloration, and their peaceful nature makes them a popular choice for aquariums, especially in community setups with other similar-sized, non-aggressive fish.
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size:
- A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a pair of Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo”. Larger tanks (75 gallons or more) are preferable if you plan to keep a group or include other species. The fish’s size and activity level require ample swimming space.
- Tank Setup:
- Substrate: The Juan Viejo Geophagus are substrate sifters, so fine gravel or sand is ideal. This allows them to root around and sift through the substrate for food without injuring their barbels.
- Decor:
- Incorporate driftwood, rocks, and plants to replicate their natural environment.
- The tank should have open areas for swimming and some hiding spots (caves or dense plants). Geophagus species enjoy both areas to forage and retreat to when needed.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, as the fish tend to stay near the substrate or shaded areas, where they feel more comfortable.
- Water Flow:
- They prefer gentle to moderate water flow, as they come from regions with slow-moving waters.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 2–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
- Water Changes: Perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to ensure excellent water quality, as Geophagus are sensitive to water pollution.
Diet
Geophagus species are omnivores and are primarily substrate feeders, meaning they sift through the substrate in search of food. Here are some feeding guidelines:
- Staple Foods:
- High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, which should be sinking foods to suit their bottom-feeding nature.
- Protein:
- Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and earthworms for protein and variety.
- Vegetable Matter:
- Include blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, peas, and cucumber to provide essential fiber.
- Feeding Schedule:
- Feed them 2-3 times per day in small portions that can be consumed in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water contamination.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament:
- The Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” is a peaceful and relatively non-aggressive cichlid, but they can become territorial during spawning. Generally, they are more placid compared to other cichlid species, especially if kept in a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots.
- Like all Geophagus, they are substrate sifters, constantly sifting through the sand or gravel to search for food. This behavior is natural and part of their feeding habits.
- Activity:
- They are active but prefer to stay near the bottom of the tank. They enjoy sifting through the substrate, so be sure to provide enough space for this activity.
- They can also display some schooling behavior, particularly when young, and prefer to be kept with other peaceful species.
- Tankmates:
- These cichlids can be kept with other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, smaller cichlids, and catfish (e.g., Corydoras).
- Avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial species that may compete for space or food.
- Larger plecos, peaceful larger cichlids, and livebearers are usually compatible. However, be cautious when introducing any fish that may stress or outcompete them for food.
Breeding
Breeding Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” in captivity is possible with the right setup and care:
- Breeding Tank:
- Set up a breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5), and a temperature of 78–80°F (26–27°C). Include fine-gravel or sand substrate for the pair to dig and lay eggs.
- Adding some rock formations or flat surfaces will encourage spawning, as these cichlids often prefer these areas to deposit their eggs.
- Conditioning:
- Condition the pair with high-quality, protein-rich foods, including live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
- Regular water changes with cooler water (around 72–74°F / 22–23°C) can stimulate breeding behavior.
- Spawning Behavior:
- The female will lay her eggs on flat surfaces, typically in a secluded corner or crevice, and the male will fertilize them.
- After the eggs are fertilized, remove the pair or give them space to protect the eggs from any possible interference.
- Fry Care:
- The eggs will hatch in about 4-6 days, and the fry will begin swimming a few days later.
- Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept baby brine shrimp or microworms.
Common Challenges
- Water Quality:
- Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” are sensitive to poor water quality, especially ammonia, nitrites, and high nitrates. Be sure to keep the water clean by performing regular water changes and maintaining proper filtration.
- Overfeeding:
- Overfeeding can lead to water contamination and health issues. Only feed as much as the fish can consume within a few minutes. Remove any uneaten food to prevent it from decaying.
- Tankmates:
- While generally peaceful, Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” can become territorial during breeding. It’s important to monitor the tank closely for any signs of aggression or bullying.
- Avoid housing them with overly aggressive species.
- Substrate Damage:
- Since these fish are substrate sifters, be cautious when choosing the substrate. It should be smooth to prevent injury to their barbels. Sand or fine-gravel is ideal for this species.
Interesting Facts
- Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” is named after the Juan Viejo region in Colombia, where it was first discovered in the Caquetá River.
- This species is particularly sought after for its stunning color patterns, which often include blue or iridescent tones.
- Geophagus species are sometimes called earth eaters because of their unique habit of sifting through the substrate to search for food, a trait shared by several species in this genus.
Care Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 55 gallons |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5, 74–82°F, soft to moderately hard water |
| Diet | Omnivorous: pellets, live foods, and vegetables |
| Temperament | Peaceful, territorial during breeding |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
The Geophagus sp. “Juan Viejo” is a beautiful and peaceful cichlid that adds both activity and color to a community aquarium. With proper care, including a well-maintained tank, balanced diet, and regular water changes, these fish will thrive in a peaceful environment, displaying their unique sifting behavior and attractive colors.