Geophagus Taeniopareius

Datasheet

Behaviour

• G. taeniopareius is notably more aggressive than many other Geophagus species, though multiple specimens can coexist in larger aquarium setups.
• To prevent weaker individuals from being targeted excessively, a group of 5-8 individuals is recommended, especially since in smaller groups, some fish might face heightened aggression.
• It is generally advisable to avoid housing this species with other cichlids, although some successful long-term setups have included members of the G. surinamensis group.
• Smaller fish are typically left alone, and schools of small characids can be introduced without fear of predation.
• Some aquarists have kept Geophagus species alongside freshwater stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus, which can be successful, but in some cases, the stingrays have disappeared overnight.

Feeding and Diet

• Geophagus species are benthophagous, feeding by sifting mouthfuls of substrate for edible items and expelling the remaining material through gill openings and the mouth.
• Commonly known as "eartheaters," providing a suitable substrate is crucial for their long-term well-being.
• Their diet includes small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, plant material like seeds, organic detritus, and sediment.
• Despite being adults, they are unable to ingest larger food items efficiently, necessitating a diet comprising high-quality prepared foods, supplemented with small live or frozen foods.
• Offering 3-4 smaller meals daily instead of one large meal allows for natural browsing behavior, promoting better growth and condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

• Unlike most Geophagus species that practice mouthbrooding, G. taeniopareius is a substrate spawner with a relatively simple reproductive strategy.
• Good diet and stringent maintenance, including large weekly water changes, are crucial for successful spawning.
• Sexing accurately is challenging, and it is recommended to start with a group of young fish to allow pairs to form naturally.
• Courtship involves fin flaring, circling, gaping, and head jerking displays, with pairs choosing a spawning site where the female lays eggs for the male to fertilize.
• Mature males tend to be slightly larger with longer fins and may develop a nuchal hump, while females exhibit a visible ovipositor during spawning.

Habitat and Distribution

• G. taeniopareius is native to the Venezuelan part of the upper Río Orinoco system, found in various tributaries such as the Ríos Caura, Cataniapo, Atacavi, Ocamo, Matacuni, Zoapore, and Nichare.
• Typically inhabiting areas with clear or slightly turbid water, including flooded zones with sand and rocks, they are observed near stretches of rapids and in pools surrounded by marginal vegetation.
• The tropical climate of Venezuela's upper Río Orinoco system experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with fluctuating river flows and increases in turbidity during the rainy period.
• G. taeniopareius was first discovered much earlier but described officially in 1992 and has been present in the aquarium trade since the late 1970s.
• It belongs to a small group of ungrouped Geophagus species, distinguished by specific morphological traits including a dark infraorbital stripe and faint horizontal stripes on the flanks.