Parnaíba Eartheater

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Parnaíba River basin (Northeast Brazil). In nature it frequents the classic clear water biotopes with moderate currents and immense banks of fine sand in which it sifts its food.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Parnaíba Eartheater (Geophagus parnaibae). It is the smallest of the "surinamensis" complex. It possesses the classic slender and compressed "horse head" shape, but stops at only 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in size.

Social Behavior: A nano-giant cichlid, peaceful and gregarious. Must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals; it wastes away solitary. Maintains a stable hierarchy through "lip-locking" (kisses) and bloodless lateral displays.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-olive background, but in reproduction it "explodes" in iridescent turquoise, gold and red horizontal stripes, especially on the gill operculum. Has the classic lateral black spot. Males slightly larger and with pointed filaments.

Aquarium Setup: Paradise for "only" 120 cm (48 inches) aquariums that cannot host large Geophagus. Very fine sand (10 cm / 4 inches thick), branches and dry leaves. NO sharp quartz. Dimmed lighting and gentle current.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless benthic sifter. Sinks its snout into the sand swallowing it to filter micro-prey. Offer bloodworms, washed tubifex and sinking vegetable and protein micro-pellets. Eats very slowly, do not pair with voracious fish.

Water Quality: Very sensitive, like all Geophagus, to high nitrate concentrations. Requires pristine water; the accumulation of dirt in the sand generates lethal necrosis (Hole-in-the-head disease).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for large South American community tanks, together with Corydoras (which it tolerates), small loricariids and large schools of Tetras (Cardinals, Rummy Nose). DO NOT pair with aggressive cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Biparental larvophile mouthbrooders. The eggs (about 100) are laid on a hard surface (a flat root or a stone). After 2-3 days of fanning, at hatching, they are swallowed and brooded in the mouth by the parents for 2 weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Gill wear and starvation if housed in aquariums with coarse gravel that it cannot chew, resulting in stress, loss of color and digestive blockages.