Gymnogeophagus Balzanii

Datasheet

Behaviour

The Paraguay Eartheater, also known as Gymnogeophagus Balzanii, is not considered a good community fish due to its intolerance, especially among males towards other cichlids. However, medium-sized characins and other shoaling species that inhabit the upper levels of the tank are usually unharmed. Ideal tankmates should be able to withstand the cooler conditions required, with some Asian danionins being better choices than commonly available characins. Females are more peaceful with each other, and the species is polygamous, so it is recommended to provide one male with a small harem of 2 to 6 females to prevent harassment towards individual females. The male's courting behavior involves a lot of quivering and flaring, and unreceptive females are often harried by the male.

Feeding and Diet

The Paraguay Eartheater is easily fed, but it primarily feeds from the substrate. They can be offered good quality granular foods, flake, and small live or frozen foods. Ensuring they receive some vegetable matter is important, with options like spirulina flake, blanched spinach, or shelled frozen peas being suitable choices.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction for the Paraguay Eartheater is not overly difficult, as the species is a delayed maternal mouthbrooder. During courtship, the male and female will perform various behaviors before the female lays between 200-500 eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs in her mouth for a week or so, and once they hatch, the fry can be fed Artemia nauplii. Males are larger and more colorful than females, developing pointed dorsal and anal fins as they mature. Dominant males also develop a notable nuchal hump, which disappears if another male assumes control of the tank.

Habitat and Distribution

The Paraguay Eartheater is typically found in sluggish tributaries and creeks away from main river channels. They are native to various drainages of the Rio Paraná basin in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, as well as the Rio Uruguay in Uruguay.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for the Paraguay Eartheater involves using a sandy substrate to mimic its natural habitat, as the fish engage in sand-sifting behavior to feed. Driftwood branches and twisted roots can be added for aesthetic effect, but aquatic plants are not recommended as they may be uprooted. The tank should be well-filtered, and regular large water changes are essential to prevent diseases like hole in the head and neuromastic pitting. Water parameters should be maintained at a pH of 6.5-7.5, hardness of 5-15°dH, and a temperature range of 21-25°C.