Edit Geophagus altifrons
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Name
Scientific name
Geophagus altifrons
Described by
Authority Heckel, Year 1840
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 12 credited
Summary
Geophagus altifrons is a large cichlid from the middle-to-lower Amazon basin in Brazil, including the Xingu, Tapajós, Madeira, Negro and Pu…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
225mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 26–32°C, pH 4.8–6.6
Hardness
0–5dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Brazil, Amazon, Madeira, Negro, Purus, Tapajós, Trombetas, Xingu, Paru (Brazil)
Writing
Etymology
Geophagus: from the Greek geo, meaning 'earth', and phagos, meaning ' to eat'. altifrons: from the Latin alto, meaning 'high, tall', and frons, meaning 'forehe…
Distribution
Described from 'Barra do Rio-negro' which corresponds to the Fort of São José da Barra do Rio Negro, built by the Portugese at the site of what is now the city…
Habitat
Predominantly found in the lower reaches of rivers, appearing to be restricted by the first stretch of rapids encountered, and has also been collected from flo…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with a base measuring 180 ∗ 60 cm or more is required to house a group long-term.
Maintenance
The most essential item of décor in a set-up for this species is a soft, sandy substrate so that the fish can browse naturally (see 'Diet'). Coarser materials …
Water conditions
Temperature: 26 – 32 °C pH: In its natural waters pH values of 4.8 – 6.6 have been recorded and wild-collected specimens are likely to do best within this rang…
Diet
Geophagus spp. are benthophagous by nature, employing a method of feeding whereby mouthfuls of substrate are taken and sifted for edible items with the remaini…
Behaviour and compatibility
Unless breeding this species is surprisingly peaceful and will not predate on fishes larger than a few millimetres in length. Suitable tankmates are far too nu…
Sexual dimorphism
No external differences have been observed except during spawning when the ovipositor of the female is visible.
Reproduction
Substrate-spawning, ovophilous, biparental mouthbrooder that has been bred on numerous occasions in aquaria. There doesn't appear to be any particular trigger …
Notes
Despite its designation as type species this is among the most frequently-misidentified members of the genus. This is in part because its natural distribution …
References
References
14 on this profile