Pearl Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extremely widespread throughout southern Brazil and Uruguay. It is not a true Amazonian fish: it inhabits coastal rivers, lakes and even brackish lagoons with muddy bottoms and distinctly cooler temperatures compared to the Amazon basin.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Pearl Cichlid. Belongs to the "brasiliensis" complex (often not true Geophagus). Much stockier and more aggressive build compared to classic eartheaters; easily reaches 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) in length and considerable thickness.

Social Behavior: Unlike true Geophagus (peaceful and gregarious), the brasiliensis is an extremely territorial, irascible and solitary fish (or to be kept in a single pair). Closely resembles the brawling character of large Central American Cichlids.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Background varying from dark olive green to gray, literally studded with hundreds of huge light blue, golden and white "pearls". A large black ocellus stands out in the center of the flank. Adult males develop a colossal and evident nuchal hump and pointed fins.

Aquarium Setup: Robust tank of at least 300 liters (80 gallons) for a pair. Despite the name, they dig the sand much less, preferring to move large pebbles to delimit their territory. Spartan furnishings with heavy stones glued to the bottom, large woods. They destroy delicate plants.

Diet and Feeding: Extremely voracious omnivore (not a filter-feeding micro-predator). Greedily accepts huge cichlid pellets, whole earthworms, shelled shrimp, mussels and strips of fish. Supplement weekly with peas and spirulina for intestinal health.

Water Quality: A stainless rock. Perfect fish for beginners of large cichlids thanks to its frightening tolerance: pH 6.0-8.0, GH 4-15, temperatures even very cool (20-28°C / 68-82°F). Also tolerates and thrives in slightly brackish waters.

Compatibility and Tankmates: In small tanks it will kill its own kind and other fish. Cohabits well only in giant tanks (over 600 liters / 150 gallons) with other giants with a strong temperament: Jack Dempsey, Oscars, large armored Loricariids. Absolutely unsuitable for peaceful fish or true Geophagus.

Aquarium Reproduction: Open substrate spawners (not mouthbrooders). The pair obsessively cleans a flat stone or the bottom glass, laying up to 800 eggs. The violence with which they defend the offspring is unprecedented: they will ruthlessly attack the breeder's siphon.

Risks and Diseases: Very robust from a pathological point of view. The most serious risk in the aquarium hobby is mistaken identity: sold as a peaceful eartheater, it ends up decimating tankmates. Subject to Hexamita (holes in the head) only if kept in filthy water.