Surinam Eartheater
Geophagus surinamensis
The 'Surinam Geophagus' (25 cm). One of the oldest and most famous earth-eaters in the aquarium hobby, even if often confused with other species. Fascinating, peaceful and of imposing size, it boasts a livery mottled with iridescent reflections and a placid and hypnotic social behavior based on constant sand filtering.
Water Temperature
24 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
25 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 300 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivity
63 - 375 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Suriname and Marowijne river basin in South America. Lives in coastal areas, slow streams and flooded plains with muddy/sandy beds and lots of decomposed vegetation.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Surinam Eartheater (Geophagus surinamensis). It is the "Type" fish that gives its name to the colossal and confused "Surinamensis" group. Sloping frontal profile (horse snout) to dive into the sand, and compressed aerodynamic shape.
Social Behavior: Gregarious, peaceful, swims incessantly around the tank digging upside down. Males establish mock supremacy fights ("Lip locking" or kisses) without hurting each other, keeping their balance in schools of 5-8 elements.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Iridescent silver base with 4-5 faint longitudinal golden bands. In the center of the flank stands a single, marked round black spot. Males and females are identical, but the male has more elongated fins developed into filaments.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Tank for large fish: 150-180 cm (60-72 inches) in length. The fish's life revolves around SAND, which must be very fine, thick (at least 8 cm / 3 inches) and without sharp edges. Suspended woods and dark branches. No plants (they uproot them daily).
Diet and Feeding: Classic Geophagous (Eartheater). Takes shovelfuls of sand in its mouth, sifting it through its gills to extract food, and expels the rest. Offer sinking protein granules, krill, spirulina tablets and bloodworms.
Water Quality: Monstrous waste producers, yet sensitive to pollution. Requires an oversized filtration system that cleans the water but does not suck up the sand moved by the fish. Nitrates below 20 ppm or they get sick.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent tankmate for large South American fish (Severums, Uaru, Angelfish or large Tetras like Congos or Silver Dollars). They are vulnerable to attacks from biting Cichlids or piranhas.
Aquarium Breeding: "Delayed" larvophile mouthbrooders. They clean a piece of wood, lay, and after the eggs hatch (about 3 days), mom and dad suck the small larvae into their mouths protecting them in turn until they swim free (2 weeks).
Risks and Diseases: The TRUE identity: in 99% of cases, the fish sold as "G. surinamensis" in stores is actually a Geophagus altifrons or abalios. The true surinamensis is almost absent from the trade.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Suriname and Marowijne river basin in South America. Lives in coastal areas, slow streams and flooded plains with muddy/sandy beds and lots of decomposed vegetation.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsAmazon, Orinoco, and GuianasEast Asia
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- It is a mild-mannered cichlid. Unprovoked aggression is very rare. It is a wonderful centerpiece fish.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- It is an eartheater. Feed sinking pellets and frozen bloodworms. A fine sand substrate is mandatory.
- Life expectancy
- 8-10 years
- It has an average life expectancy of about 8 to 10 years if kept under optimal conditions in a spacious aquarium. Providing excellent water filtration and nutritious food are key elements to keep it healthy. Sudden changes in chemical water parameters or thermal stress can shorten its longevity.
- Adult size
- 25 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 25 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 14.8 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Geophagus surinamensis (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- Pair
- Keep them in groups. This diffuses natural aggression. Pairs will emerge as they mature.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- It constantly sifts the sand. Feed multiple small meals daily. This mimics natural continuous foraging.
- Bioload
- This fish produces a high bioload. Robust biological filtration is essential. Frequent water changes are necessary.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- It originates from riverine environments. It prefers moderate water flow. Provide resting areas with calm water.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Many are mouthbrooders. Parents fiercely guard eggs and fry. Breeding pairs form naturally over time.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- It is generally peaceful. It fits well in community tanks. It becomes territorial during spawning.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- It stays at the bottom. It continuously sifts the sand. A large footprint is required.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.3 ± 0.1 se
- Resilience
- Medium (1.4 - 4.4 years)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.02455, b = 3.04
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (11 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
