Edit Geophagus megasema
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Name
Scientific name
Geophagus megasema
Described by
Authority Heckel, Year 1840
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
Geophagus megasema is a cichlid from the upper rio Madeira basin, recorded from the Mamoré and Guaporé drainages in Bolivia and Brazil. Ver…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
175mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–30°C, pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–15dGH
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
Bolivia, Brazil, Guaporé, Madeira, Mamore, San Martin
Writing
Etymology
Geophagus: from the Greek geo, meaning 'earth', and phagos, meaning ' to eat'. megasema: from the Greek mega, meaning 'large', and semeion, meaning 'sign, mark…
Distribution
Type locality is 'Rio Guaporé, Mato Grosso, Brazil', and this species appears endemic to the upper rio Madeira basin. Records exist from the Río Mamoré and Río…
Habitat
Favoured habitats are likely similar to those observed in related species with the fish congregating around gently sloping marginal zones with soft substrates …
Aquarium size
A aquarium with a base measuring 180 ∗ 60 cm or more is required.
Maintenance
The most essential item of décor is a soft, sandy substrate so that the fish can browse naturally (see 'Diet'). Coarser materials such as gravel or small pebbl…
Water conditions
Not written yet
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
Younger specimens are impossible to sex accurately by external means, but mature males tend to be a little larger and have longer finnage than females, while t…
Reproduction
Substrate-spawning, ovophilous, biparental mouthbrooder that has been bred in aquaria. There doesn't appear to be any particular trigger for the spawning proce…
Notes
This species is very rare in the aquarium hobby and may never have been available on a commercial basis although it has been collected, bred and distributed by…
References
References
8 on this profile