Geophagus Jurupari Eartheater SMALL

🐟 Geophagus jurupari — Eartheater Cichlid Care Guide

The Geophagus jurupari is a peaceful, intelligent cichlid best known for its signature sand-sifting behavior — hence the nickname "Eartheater." With metallic body tones and an inquisitive nature, this South American species adds motion and personality to large community aquariums. It thrives in environments that replicate the slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon.

🌍 Origin and Natural Habitat

• Distribution: Widespread throughout the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru

• Environment: Shallow waters with soft sand, tree roots, fallen leaves, and low visibility from tannins

• Behavior in Nature: Constantly foraging by taking in mouthfuls of substrate, filtering out edible particles, and expelling debris through the gills

🏡 Tank Setup and Environment

• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum for a small group; 100+ gallons recommended for long-term housing

• Substrate: Very fine, soft sand is essential — they feed by digging and sifting

• Décor: Smooth driftwood, leaf litter, and rounded stones mimic natural surroundings and reduce stress

• Plants: Rooted plants may be uprooted; floating plants or hardy species anchored to wood or rock work best

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate flow

• Filtration: Strong, efficient filtration required due to sediment disturbance from digging

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

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

• Hardness: Soft water (1–8 dGH preferred)

• Water Quality: Sensitive to ammonia and nitrate — perform 25–30% water changes weekly

• Lighting: Low to moderate, mimicking the dappled canopy light of their natural habitat

🍽️ Diet and Feeding

Geophagus jurupari are opportunistic omnivores, adapted to sift food from the sand.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking cichlid pellets

  • Soft granules that reach the bottom

• Supplementary Foods:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, mysis shrimp, daphnia

  • Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini

• Feeding Tips:

  • Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts

  • Avoid floating foods — they feed naturally at the bottom

🧬 Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful, calm, and social. Displays mild hierarchy but rarely aggressive

• Behavior:

  • Constant sand-sifting activity

  • Social in groups; may form loose hierarchies

• Best Tankmates:

  • Medium-to-large peaceful fish: angelfish, Severums, silver dollars, larger tetras

  • Catfish species such as Corydoras or Loricariids

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers

  • Highly aggressive cichlids

  • Fast, erratic species that outcompete for food

🐣 Breeding in Captivity

• Spawning Type: Substrate-spawning with delayed mouthbrooding

• Behavior:

  • Form pairs or breed in small groups

  • Eggs are laid in shallow pits dug in the substrate

  • After hatching, the fry are gathered into the mouth of one or both parents for protection

• Fry Care:

  • Feed infusoria or crushed flakes until large enough for baby brine shrimp

  • Provide peaceful surroundings and soft sand for brood-rearing success

⚠️ Special Care Notes

• Sand is mandatory: Gravel will damage their gill plates and prevent natural feeding

• Don’t overcrowd: Keep in spacious tanks to reduce stress and competition

• Sensitive to poor water: Always use dechlorinated, warm, soft water with minimal fluctuations

📋 Quick Reference Table

Geophagus jurupari is a gentle, curious fish that shines in the hands of an aquarist who can replicate its natural world — a soft riverbed, clean water, and space to sift and explore. In return, it rewards keepers with peaceful movement, striking iridescence, and fascinating behavior.