Geophagus Jurupari

Overview

• Common Name: Demon Eartheater

• Scientific Name: Geophagus jurupari

• Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)

• Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum for a group (they’re social and do better in groups of 4–6)

• Substrate: Fine sand—essential for their natural sifting behavior

• Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, leaf litter—keep it natural and avoid sharp edges

• Plants: Tough plants or rooted in pots (they may dig)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• Filtration: Strong filtration and good oxygenation; they don’t like stagnant water

• Water Changes: Weekly, at least 30–50%

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous with a carnivorous lean

• Foods:

  • High-quality sinking pellets

  • Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms)

  • Occasional vegetables or algae wafers

• Feeding Habit: Feed 1–2 times daily; avoid overfeeding—they’re natural substrate sifters

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial when spawning

• Tankmates:

  • Other peaceful South American cichlids

  • Silver dollars, larger tetras, catfish (like Corydoras or Plecos)

  • Avoid aggressive or much smaller fish

• Social Structure: Best in groups to spread aggression and promote natural behavior

Breeding

• Type: Substrate spawners and mouthbrooders (female usually holds eggs)

• Behavior: Pair forms, spawns on a flat surface, then female takes eggs in her mouth

• Fry Care: Can be raised on baby brine shrimp; parents may protect them early on

Tips

• Avoid gravel—sand is key for their health and natural behavior

• They dig a lot—secure decor to prevent toppling

• Provide hiding spots to reduce stress

• Keep the environment stable—these fish don’t tolerate big parameter swings

Want a printable care sheet or something visual for this? I can make that too.

Got it—Geophagus jurupari is often nicknamed “Demon Eartheater,” but we’ll skip that. Here's a revised care guide that keeps it clean and accurate:

Geophagus jurupari Care Guide

Scientific Name: Geophagus jurupari
Common Name: Jurupari Eartheater
Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America
Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Temperament: Peaceful, especially for a cichlid

Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (for a group of 4–6)

• Substrate: Fine sand—essential for their natural digging and sifting behavior

• Decor: Driftwood, rounded rocks, leaf litter

• Plants: Hardy or potted plants (they dig, so delicate plants may get uprooted)

• Lighting: Moderate

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• Filtration: Strong and stable; keep water clean and well-oxygenated

• Maintenance: 30–50% water change weekly

Diet

• Feeding Style: Bottom-feeder and substrate sifter

• Food:

  • Sinking pellets and wafers

  • Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms)

  • Occasional blanched vegetables

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in moderate amounts

Behavior & Compatibility

• Social Behavior: Best in groups; helps reduce aggression

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful or semi-aggressive South American cichlids

  • Larger tetras, silver dollars, Corydoras, peaceful catfish

• Avoid: Small or aggressive fish; they may be bullied or become stressed

Breeding

• Type: Substrate spawners and mouthbrooders

• Pairing: Usually form monogamous pairs

• Parental Care: Female often carries eggs and fry in her mouth for protection

• Raising Fry: Feed baby brine shrimp and provide hiding areas

Care Tips

• Keep sand clean—they constantly sift through it

• Anchor decor well—they dig a lot

• Keep the tank calm and stable—avoid sudden changes in water conditions

• Give them space and a natural layout—they thrive in a more wild-style setup

If you want this in a downloadable format or as a quick-reference sheet, I can make that too.