Geophagus Altifrons

🌍 Geophagus altifrons Care Guide

The Geophagus altifrons is a majestic and peaceful eartheater cichlid native to the Amazon River system in Brazil. This species is best known for its graceful body shape, extended fin rays, and brilliant coloration that intensifies with age and proper care. As a substrate-sifter, it constantly forages through sand, making it a fascinating centerpiece for large aquariums.

🐟 Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Geophagus altifrons

• Common Name: Eartheater Cichlid

• Origin: Amazon River Basin, Brazil

• Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm), occasionally larger

• Lifespan: 10–12 years with good care

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, slightly territorial during spawning

• Swimming Level: Bottom to midwater

• Activity: Diurnal, actively sifts substrate for food

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for a pair; 125+ gallons for groups

• Tank Type: Soft sand substrate is essential for foraging behavior

• Décor: Use smooth rocks, driftwood, and broad-leafed plants; avoid sharp edges

• Plants: Compatible with hardy plants (like Amazon swords); may uproot delicate species

• Lighting: Moderate; natural-toned lighting enhances iridescence

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration is important due to their size and appetite

• Water Movement: Moderate; simulate slow-flowing river systems

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–86°F (25.5–30°C)

• pH Range: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft water ideal)

• TDS: Under 200 ppm preferred

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly with well-conditioned water

💡 Maintaining stable, clean water is crucial for vibrant coloration and long-term health.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Geophagus altifrons are omnivores with a preference for small invertebrates and detritus in the wild. In the aquarium, they adapt well to a variety of prepared and live foods.

• Staple Foods:

  • High-quality sinking cichlid pellets

  • Spirulina-based wafers

• Protein Foods:

  • Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp (live or frozen)

  • Daphnia or mysis shrimp

• Vegetable Treats:

  • Blanched peas or spinach (occasionally)

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals daily

🛑 Avoid overfeeding. Uneaten food can foul the substrate and reduce water quality.

🤝 Compatibility & Behavior

Geophagus altifrons are peaceful cichlids well-suited for large, calm community aquariums.

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Peaceful mid-to-upper level fish (tetras, hatchetfish, Severums)

  • Corydoras, plecos, and other Geophagus species

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or fast-feeding fish (Oscars, large predatory cichlids)

  • Fin-nippers or very small fish that might be mistaken for food

💡 These fish thrive in groups of 5 or more, which helps reduce aggression and brings out natural schooling behavior.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding is possible in home aquariums with stable conditions and proper pairing.

• Breeding Type: Delayed mouthbrooder

• Courtship Behavior: Digging pits, lip-locking, and fin displays

• Spawning Site: Typically sand or flat rocks

• Parental Care: Female collects fertilized eggs into her mouth and broods them for ~2–3 weeks

• Fry Feeding: Baby brine shrimp, powdered fry food, or microworms after yolk sacs are absorbed

🧠 Provide privacy and reduce disturbance during mouthbrooding to improve fry survival.

📝 Care Summary

🔧 Pro Tips

• Use fine sand only — gravel can injure their gills while sifting.

• Maintain a consistent feeding and water change routine.

• For best coloration, keep in low-stress environments with warm, soft water.

• Consider floating plants to diffuse light and reduce stress.