Pearl Eartheater (Geophagus brasiliensis)
| Pearl Eartheater Geophagus brasiliensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Pearl Eartheater |
| Name Lat. | Geophagus brasiliensis |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Coastal rivers, lagoons |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 13-25 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 370 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 5"-10" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Brazil Pearlfish are native to the coastal river systems of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay. They live in estuaries of small rivers and in lagoons up to brackish water. There are some differently colored site variants.
Maintenance
The aquarium should be equipped with hiding places (crevices and caves) from stones and roots, as well as robust planting. A deep layer of sand and some subdued light (floating plants) are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable in the water, and the nitrate level should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once daily with a high quality sinking dry food (granules, pellets, tablets) as well as tubifex, artemia, mysis, mosquito larvae or shrimp (live or frozen). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as blanched leafy and wild vegetables, algae leaves or dry food with vegetable ingredients (e.g. spirulina)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health. and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs. Males are very territorial within the species, so keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They are relatively compatible with other fish and can be socialized well with larger South American cichlids
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male usually has a frontal hump and a longer extended dorsal and anal fin, as well as a pointed genital papilla, which is round in the female. It is difficult to determine the sex of juveniles.
Reproduction and breeding
They are open breeders and practice brood care (parental family). The female usually spawns on a well-cleaned, smooth rock. After 3-4 days the fry hatch and are then housed by the parents in a bottom pit until they swim free after another 4-8 days. The fry are guarded by both parents for a few more days and are led to the feeding areas in the aquarium before the brood care ends.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
They rummage through the substrate in search of food. According to this species-typical behavior, they are also called terrestrial eaters
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF