Surinam Eartheater

Geographic Origin and Biotope: 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.

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 Tankmates: 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 Reproduction: "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.