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.
Température de l’eau
24 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
25 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 300 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivité
63 - 375 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
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.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
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.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmazonie, Orénoque et GuyanesAsie de l'Est
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- It is a mild-mannered cichlid. Unprovoked aggression is very rare. It is a wonderful centerpiece fish.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- It is an eartheater. Feed sinking pellets and frozen bloodworms. A fine sand substrate is mandatory.
- Espérance de vie
- 8-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 25 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Pair
- Keep them in groups. This diffuses natural aggression. Pairs will emerge as they mature.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It constantly sifts the sand. Feed multiple small meals daily. This mimics natural continuous foraging.
- Charge biologique
- Medium to High
- This fish produces a high bioload. Robust biological filtration is essential. Frequent water changes are necessary.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- It originates from riverine environments. It prefers moderate water flow. Provide resting areas with calm water.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- It is a bottom dweller. It can jump if startled. A secure lid is always recommended.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Many are mouthbrooders. Parents fiercely guard eggs and fry. Breeding pairs form naturally over time.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- It is generally peaceful. It fits well in community tanks. It becomes territorial during spawning.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- It stays at the bottom. It continuously sifts the sand. A large footprint is required.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2,3 ± 0,1 se
- Résilience
- Moyenne (1,4 - 4,4 ans)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.02455, b = 3.04
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (11 / 100)
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