Smooth-cheek eartheater (Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys)

Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys Hensel, 1870

Smooth-cheek eartheater (Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys)

The Smooth-cheek eartheater (Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 15 cm (5.9 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 20–25°C (68–77°F) and a pH of 7.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Laguna dos Patos and Lagoa Mirim drainages in Brazil and Uruguay.

Smooth-cheek eartheater care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
20–25°C (68–77°F)
pH
7.0–8.0
Hardness
9–20 dGH (161–357 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Spawns on the bottom. A male will spawn with more than one female if there is more than one ripe female around. If not, he is satisfied to spawn with one partner and to stay with one female forever. Maximum length 25 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
15.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Laguna dos Patos and Lagoa Mirim drainages in Brazil and Uruguay.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More south & central american cichlids

See all south & central american cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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