GEOPHAGUS WINMILLERI EXTRA LARGE

🐟 Geophagus winemilleri — Care Guide

Geophagus winemilleri is a stunning, mid-sized South American cichlid known for its graceful movements, iridescent coloration, and fascinating substrate-sifting behavior. Native to the clear, warm waters of the Orinoco River basin, this species makes a rewarding addition to large, peaceful community aquariums or biotope-style setups.

🌎 Natural Habitat

• Origin: Orinoco River drainage, Venezuela and Colombia

• Habitat: Clear to slightly tannin-stained waters with sandy bottoms and slow-moving current

• Substrate: Fine sand and scattered leaf litter; occasionally rocky areas

• Behavior in the Wild: Forages by taking in mouthfuls of substrate, filtering it for food, and expelling it through the gills

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for a small group; 125+ gallons preferred for long-term care or mixed community setups

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more to reduce aggression and encourage natural behavior

• Substrate: Fine sand is essential — this species sifts through it constantly

• Décor: Include driftwood, leaf litter, and smooth stones. Avoid sharp decorations that could injure their sensitive mouths

• Filtration: Strong biological and mechanical filtration is important due to the sifting behavior, which stirs up debris

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate flow with well-oxygenated water

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25.5–29°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.2 — slightly acidic to neutral

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)

• Water Change Schedule: 25–40% weekly to maintain low nitrate levels and high oxygen content

🍽️ Diet and Feeding

Geophagus winemilleri is omnivorous with a preference for small, protein-rich foods.

• Staple Diet:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets

  • Fine sinking granules

• Supplementary Foods:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and peas

• Feeding Behavior:

  • Sifts sand continuously looking for food

  • Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts they can finish quickly

🧬 Temperament and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; may spar mildly within the group but rarely aggressive

• Tank Mates:

  • Compatible with other peaceful South American cichlids (e.g., Satanoperca, Heros, Uaru)

  • Good with larger tetras, peaceful catfish (e.g., Corydoras, Loricariids), and hatchetfish

  • Avoid aggressive or fast, fin-nipping species (e.g., Convicts, tiger barbs)

🐣 Breeding

• Type: Biparental mouthbrooder

• Courtship: Pairs form within a group; courtship includes circling and site cleaning

• Spawning: Eggs are laid and briefly guarded before being taken into the mouth for protection by both parents

• Fry Care:

  • After 2–3 weeks, fry are released for short foraging trips

  • Parents will scoop them back into their mouths at signs of danger

⚠️ Care Tips

• Sand Is a Must: Gravel or rough substrate can damage their gill plates and prevent natural feeding behavior

• Stable Conditions: Sensitive to rapid water parameter shifts; use gentle acclimation when transferring

• Group Dynamics: Keeping a group of 5+ spreads out any dominance behavior and leads to more natural displays

📋 Quick Reference Table

Geophagus winemilleri is a perfect species for aquarists seeking elegance, natural behavior, and an engaging centerpiece for a South American-themed aquarium. With proper care, these cichlids exhibit remarkable coloration, intelligence, and parenting skills rarely matched in the hobby.