Edit Gymnogeophagus balzanii
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
The Paraguay eartheater, Gymnogeophagus balzanii, is a cichlid from the Rio Paraná basin in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and the Rio Uru…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
200mm, standard length
Tank size
Not recorded
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 21–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries
Not recorded
Supporting text
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Various drainages of the Rio Paraná basin in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It's also known from the Rio Uruguay, Uruguay.
Habitat
Tends to be found away from the main river channels, in sluggish tributaries and creeks.
Aquarium size
A tank measuring 48" x 15" x 12" (120cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) - 140 litres is big enough to house a pair or trio (one male with two females) of these comfortably. A…
Maintenance
A biotope setup would consist very simply of a sandy substrate, perhaps with some driftwood branches and twisted roots added for effect. Aquatic plants are not…
Water conditions
Temperature: Prefers water a little cooler than most other South American cichlids. Somewhere in the range 70-77°F (21-25°C) is best. Most experts agree that t…
Diet
Easily fed, provided anything offered sinks, as it will rarely feed from anywhere other than the substrate. Good quality granular foods, flake and small live a…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not a good community fish. Males in particular can be very intolerant of other cichlids. Medium-sized characins and other shoaling species that inhabit the upp…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are larger and more colourful than females, and develop pointed dorsal and anal fins as they mature. Dominant males also develop a quite spectacular nuch…
Reproduction
Not too difficult. The species is a delayed maternal mouthbrooder. The spawning tank should be set up as suggested above. Add some cave-like structures or larg…
Notes
A very interesting species that sadly is only recommended to the specialist able to provide it with the specific conditions it requires for its long term healt…
References
References
No references