Geophagus Surinamenses LARGE

🐟 Geophagus surinamensis — Complete Care Guide

Geophagus surinamensis is a peaceful, sand-sifting cichlid from northern South America that thrives in soft, warm waters and displays unique natural behaviors. It’s one of the most recognizable members of the Geophagus group, admired for its metallic sheen, graceful movements, and gentle temperament. As a true “Eartheater,” it spends much of its time foraging through substrate, making it a fascinating fish for aquarists who appreciate both beauty and behavior.

🌎 Origin & Habitat

• Region: Native to Suriname and surrounding parts of northern South America

• Environment: Slow-moving blackwater rivers with sandy bottoms, leaf litter, and low-hanging vegetation

• Water Profile: Naturally soft, acidic, and warm, with water stained by decaying plant matter (tannins)

• Behavior in Nature: Constantly sifts sand through its gills to find small food particles like insect larvae, detritus, and plant material

🏠 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for a small group, though 100+ gallons is strongly recommended

• Substrate: Fine, clean sand is mandatory for natural feeding behavior

• Decorations:

  • Use smooth driftwood, rounded stones, and leaf litter to replicate their habitat

  • Avoid sharp or jagged decorations that could damage delicate gill and mouth structures

• Filtration: High-efficiency canister or sump filtration is ideal due to sand disturbance and bio-load

• Water Flow: Moderate, with oxygenation provided by gentle current and surface agitation

• Lighting: Moderate to dim; floating plants can help diffuse light and reduce stress

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 77–84°F (25–29°C)

• pH: 5.8–6.8

• Hardness: 1–6 dGH (soft water preferred)

• Nitrate Sensitivity: High — weekly water changes of 25–40% are essential

• Additional Tip: Avoid large, sudden changes in water chemistry. Stability is key to long-term health.

🍴 Diet & Nutrition

Geophagus surinamensis is an opportunistic omnivore that thrives on a varied, balanced diet.

• Primary Foods:

  • Sinking cichlid pellets and granules formulated for omnivores

  • Soft wafers that quickly reach the bottom

• Fresh/Frozen Additions:

  • Bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, mysis shrimp

• Vegetable Matter:

  • Blanched zucchini, spinach, or shelled peas offered occasionally

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, in small portions that promote natural foraging

🧬 Temperament & Compatibility

• Temperament: Calm, social, and non-aggressive

• Group Dynamics: Best kept in groups of 5 or more to distribute mild aggression and reduce stress

• Tank Mates:

  • Peaceful South American cichlids (e.g., Heros, Uaru)

  • Mid-size tetras, hatchetfish, and silver dollars

  • Peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras or small plecos

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or fast-feeding species

  • Territorial bottom dwellers that may conflict with their sand-sifting behavior

🐣 Breeding Behavior

• Spawning Method: Delayed mouthbrooding

• Breeding Notes:

  • Pairs form naturally in groups

  • After laying eggs on a flat surface or shallow pit, parents take the eggs into their mouths for protection

  • Fry are released several days later and re-collected during danger

• Fry Feeding:

  • Start with infusoria or commercial fry food

  • Graduate to freshly hatched brine shrimp

⚠️ Special Considerations

• Substrate Is Non-Negotiable: Gravel will damage their feeding apparatus and prevent proper digestion

• Sensitive to Poor Water: Keep ammonia and nitrate levels near zero. Dirty water leads to gill irritation and loss of appetite

• Long-Term Success: Provide both space and companions to express their full social and feeding behaviors

📋 At-a-Glance Summary

Geophagus surinamensis is not just a fish — it’s an experience. Watching them methodically sift sand, interact peacefully in groups, and flash their iridescent colors under dim lighting adds life and authenticity to a South American biotope. Give them clean water, room to roam, and a soft sandy bed, and they will reward you with years of graceful beauty and fascinating behavior.