Top 10 Eartheater Species | Geophagus, Gymnogeophagus, Satanoperca
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- This is a top 10 list of eartheaters, specifically with geophagus, gymnogeophagus and satanoperca species. This list is based on our own experience keeping these fish, along with the most common/accessible species out there today.
We also share some footage from a couple friends in the hobby, and you can find their instagram pages below.
orchard_aquarium: orchard_aqu...
elaquarium: elaquarium...
If you're interested in any of the products and equipment we use in this in our tanks with eartheaters, check out the Amazon affiliate links below.
Sand Substrate
- White/Black Mix: amzn.to/33gbYfh
- Black Aquarium Sand: amzn.to/2KRAz20
Filters/Pumps
- Aquaclear filters: amzn.to/32vhysV
- Penn Plax Cascade filter: amzn.to/31wOxLZ
- Hydor Koralia Pump: amzn.to/2MzQIuk
Chemicals
- Seachem Stress Guard: amzn.to/35eW0RZ
- Seachem Matrix: amzn.to/2pBgdCr
- Seachem Prime: amzn.to/2MYo6K5
- Seachem Clarity: amzn.to/2Ojf8sU
Lighting
- Current USA Satellite LED Plus: amzn.to/35AtjPI
Thanks for watching!
It's funny. Here in Argentina the balzanii is the most common and cheap geophagus because is native of Argentina. We can buy it or just find it in rivers or lakes. Come here, we got a lot of balzanii haha cheers from south america!!
Same in Brazil -Santa Catarina
Fantastic vid! I love Geos and looking forward to getting a few soon. Very informative! Ty!!
Thank you!
Loved the video guys! Also, I know I'm late to this but I wanted to add my 2 cents on the Satanoperca (S.) Jurupari entry. Because while it is a good and go to choice, it's also (in my opinion) one of the more boring looking. But they definitely are in my experience the ones that work best if you'd only buy one or two of them instead of buying a group (6+)
Other species in this genus are:
S. Leucosticta (1:59 the fish in front of the fish talked about). Mine, in more artificial lighting (Fluval Plant 3.0 at 50% strength) have a bright yellow/orangy body, with a red back, red face and bright big spots on the face and fins.
S. Mapiritensis. This fish is often mislabeled as Leucosticta, as they closely resemble those. But instead it has a body and a face that more resembles the Jurupari coloring. Just with the bright blue spots on the face and the fins as you see with the Leucosticta.
If you're looking for something darker, there's also S. Daemon, gorgeous fish too. Can't say much about its behavior as I've never personally kept them, but they shouldn't be too different from the other species in this genus. This fish has a darker skin color than S. Jurupari and is characterized by its two big black spots on the body of the fish. Great fish to have in a blackwater tank, as here the fish will look its best. The red parts on the lower fins and even the lower part of the tailfin on this fish is an amazing detail as well.
There are a couple more species in this genus (and there have been found 2 new ones since 2018!) but these are the main 4 (if we count S. Jurupari) that you'll see in fish stores that have them, and the ones I'm most familiar with. Images of said fishes can of course be found on google images :P
For y'all that made it this far, fun fact about why Satanoperca is often mislabeled as Geophagus: Up until very recently the Genus Satanoperca wasn't a genus. If I remember correctly it was early 1990s that they separated the Satanoperca species from the Geophagus species and made Satanoperca a genus.
I'm currently keeping S. Mapiritensis and S. Leucosticta together in a tank. Acquired some S. Mapiritensis while looking for more S. Leucosticta. Now I'm really done with the text dump, so enjoy the rest of your day, to everyone who reads this :)
Very informative vid thanks 🙏🏼
M Aquatics no problem - thank you!
Really cool video guys thanks!
Aquatics Planet thanks!
Haha, Top 10 always works. Thank you for compiling this edition!! 👍
Goldfish Corner thank you! No problem 👌🏻
Great video, best one I've ever seen regarding Geophagus fish. Hope you will do a species profile for the Geophagus Redhead Tapajos.
Boldor Mihai thank you! I’ll definitely do one soon 👍🏻
I've said it once and I'll say it again, the bros have some of the best information that I've found on TH-cam.
Thank you. Really appreciate it!
@@CichlidBros no problem, love the channel!
Engaging video, Brothers! Stunning fish! I’m setting up a 180g in the next few weeks for my Geos & Heckelii, but am a bit torn on how I want to set it up. ( it’s on order from Custom Aquariums, so I REALLY want to do it right!) I plan on a dirt substrate ( some plants) w a 3” cap of Black Beauty Black Diamond Blasting media (sand). Do you think this is a sufficient depth? I also have some very large, amazing chunks of Dragon Stone, as well as some amazing driftwood- I have some smaller species w my cichlids, as well, Tetras, etc- so the wood was for them because it has lots of holes to swim through- but the rocks!! Shall I pile them with only aesthetics in mind, or would my fish enjoy more of a ‘cave’ set up? I guess I’m not sure how to make the wood and rocks cohesive- any suggestions? Choose EITHER wood or stone? Or wood on one end & rocks on the other? I don’t PLAN on breeding (🤣🤣🤣), but I still intend to allow for territories w line-of-site breaks, etc… I understand that it’s all subjective, but with your cichlid experience, perhaps you have ideas or suggestions that you might share, concerning initial set-up of decor. My number one concern is the health & happiness of my fish- whatever I can offer them, that they would enjoy, I definitely want to provide. I’m sure you have ideas on what DOESN’T work, & if there is trouble to be avoided I’d surely appreciate a warning! I also have EBA’s & Dennison Barbs, along w Horse Faced Loaches & Cories. 😉 Thank you, gentlemen! Your thoughts, ideas, & opinions are highly valued & much appreciated! With warmest regards, Ivey
Great video guys, Geos are beatiful
Tapajos are the best. I have six and adore them. Beautiful fish 💟
Nice video
Overall a good video (especially the videography itself). I just wish you would have added information on the size of the fish when full grown.
Any idea what earth eater species would do well in a 60g with some small fish? Looking at nothing larger than 3" (other than the probable geo), with rainbowfish, guppies, and a couple lampeye and red minor tetras. I saw a similar set up in a fish store and I want to try to make it work with a geo and guppies instead of the angelfish the store had.
Lots of plants and cover for the guppies if any problems arise too.
Love ur videos... recently upgraded to a 6x2x2 tank.planing to hv a severum,an Acara and geophagus along with my other tropicals...wat fishes shud I avoid?Also are the brasiliences aggressive or peaceful?can I get 4-5 of them?TIA
Hi there! Great video and tank! I was wondering about substrate. I also have Leopard Geckos, and like them, they eat from the bottom. Sand is not ideal due to them gulping up sand with their food and get terrible blockages! I've heard similar things to these guys. Is there something in between that would work best?
Balzanii is such a charming fish.. love watching videos about balzanii..
Agreed!
I have Sveni and Tapajos. Looking for jurupari. They used to be common but are now somewhat rare
Right on
Cool fish
Nice vid an quite helpful too . Just what I was looking for .love your female shadow
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful
Our Favorites For Sure!
Agreed! They’re the best 👍🏻
Hey guys love the videos. Would a certain geo work well with an angelfish. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Nice video so geophagus can help keep the sand white?
Also is the green horse face any good?
Hi, I have a 65g tank with sand , rocks and some plants I have two keyhole chiclids in there and I want too get 1 more also 3 angel fish plus 3 geophgus can you advise me ? Would that combination and tank size work ? I also have a bristle nose pleco in there. Tia.
Nice video informative great job I have a group of geo braziliensis nice tank
COOPER'S CICHILDS thanks! Sounds like a great tank 👍🏻
I just bought two albino heckelli. They are close to 3” long and won’t stop fighting. Would you suggest only keeping one in a 95g South American tank, or buying 1-3 more?
Do you have to lower the temperature for the ballzanii, even though it’s recommended?
Nice video. My surinamensis is hateful. Chasing my turquoise Severum all over the tank. A big bully! Had to move him to quarantine!
Recently found your channel and just subscribed. I have a 75 gallon that I would like to stock with geo tapajos. How many would you recommend and what other tank mates would you recommend . Thanks
Thank you and welcome to the channel! I think you could do 4-6 Tapajos long term in a 75
Is there a peaceful Geophagus that primarily only sifts sand for food? Looking for a Geo that doesn't out compete slower eaters at the mid level/upper level of the water column.Tank temp is at 82 degrees. Geophagus are beautiful and would love to add some to my 125 gallons tank.
Geophagus Tapajos or Satanoperca Jurupari would be good options. 82 degrees is on the higher end for most geos
Did I miss Satanoperca Daemon the three spotted Earth Eaters? Stunning fish.
That’s another great one. I had the Jurupari, but daemon could’ve easily been as well. Tough to narrow it down to just 10!
Nice video. I plan on setting up a 60 gallon discus tank. Can geo's be tank mates?
Thanks! I’ve seen Tapajos and Jurupari go with discus before. It’s usually higher on the temp scale that geos usually prefer tho
Hello.. can you please show us feeding videos of your fish..
Ikan cantik dan damai, salam dari INDONESIA...
Great video! How would 3-4 Geophagus redheads get along with a school of 5-6 silver dollars in a 350l Juwel Rio?
Thanks! I think that would work really well
Excellent video on the earth eaters. Among the best and well described. Btw, I really can't tell the difference between the altifrons and the surinamensis in your video. Kindly enlighten, please.
Thank you, glad it was helpful! Altifrons will get slightly larger, and more green/blue coloration in body
@@CichlidBros isn't the spot on the surinamensis supposedly larger?
Nice content . Kept #1 and #2 together in my tank . Peaceful community.
SG Aquatics Vlogs thanks!
Can I put.them with Small tropical fish
Whats that yellow and black fish at 10:04? Also are there any geophagus or other new world cichlids that will do fine in a 30 gallon tank?
A young geo brasiliensis
Hey I have a question about a geophagus I have that was sold to me as a winemilleri but some other people say it's a albios and was if there was anyway you could help me identify him?
If you want to reach out on Instagram or Facebook we can help you out. A picture would help to identify
@@CichlidBros ok I'm gonna send you a picture on Facebook right now
Ballsonya is such a cutie 💓 my dreamfish..
Very surprised not to see Geophagus Sveni on the list. Were they just not popular enough in the hobby 3 years ago?
I have a community 55 gallon tank. Would you recommend 1 winemilleri or brasiliensis for me? Currently have rainbowfish, 2 dwarf cichlids, corys, platys, and plecos.
I would maybe go with the brasiliensis. Winemilleri get pretty big and seem to do well in groups
@@CichlidBros are either of them more or less peaceful than the other? Just want my fish to get along.
What tank size would you recommend for the Surinamensis?
75 gallon or larger
How do people differentiate them? I have a hard time identifying them. They all look the same to me
What online store would you recommend and can I mix species or is it better to keep one species tank? Thanks.
You can mix most species, if the tank is large enough. Most Geophagus species are highly social though, so would highly prefer a group (I'd recommend 6 or more of a single species). Depending on the character of the fish, only getting one can make them like 'waste away' in a tank (aka die of loneliness pretty much), while if you're getting 3 or 4 all the aggression can be put towards one singular fish (like any cichlid, though they won't do anything to most other fish, they can pick on weaker specimens). When it comes to online stores. I heard that in the US "Tangled up in Cichlids" are very good. But I'm European myself and get my fish from a couple local fish stores, so I don't have personal experience with them :)
Great vid! I heard you say that Geos can be kept with Electric Blue Acaras & Severums. Can they also do well with Firemouths? I've been keeping African Cichlids for many years and I'm tired of the constant aggression. Looking to move to South American Cichlids.
Brian Bell thank you! Firemouths can sometimes be on the aggressive end. I think as long as your tank is sizable and the geos aren’t introduced when too small, you should be okay
Firemouths are rowdy little bastards and are from Central America where the water is harder than the water in south america. Central American fish tend to be a little more aggro, but not as aggro as Africans.
I keep mine with true parrot cichlids they would have the firemouth for lunch!! The key is to have them together as juveniles. Water parameters should be set for the Geo's as the fire mouth will adapt.
Hi which geo's are the smallest & most colorful & peaceful? Thank you .. enjoying the videos...
Probably the Tapajos. The sveni are great but get slightly larger. Thanks for watching!
Would you say the sveni as the most beautiful of them all?
I'm thinking about buying my first geophagus. Always kept the normal african cichlids. Don't really know where to start.
I would recommend a 55 gallon or larger, and make sure you have sand substrate. The rest is up to you!
Can somebody help me which can go with large cardinals and not get eaten I want some please answer
The Tapajos would probably be the best option
:( the balzanii is impossible to get hold of in the UK I want some really bad but no where I ask ever can get them.
Try ordering online
@jamie3499 managed to get some. All slowly died off a couple of other fish keepers. I know got some also they all died aswell. Seem to not be great specimens coming to the UK.
Can you get smaller fish for freshwater environments that can also clean the algae from stones?
Definitely! Smaller plecos would be great for that, and they’re pretty good tank mates for geos as well
@@CichlidBros they need to be cold water and most pleco are warm AFAIK.
Do any of these go well with oscars? I have 3 baby oscars a 125
Most of these could work with an oscar. I would just recommend getting them larger than the oscars to start, as the oscars will pass them up in size/growth in no time
Yep.. I have 5 red head tapijos in my 180 with 2 Oscar's.. The Oscar's never even pay any attention to them lol.. Same with my (tank boss) Green Terror "Rocky"..I did have a problem with a firemouth that wouldn't leave them alone so I got rid of him, but no one else pays any attention to my red heads... They bicker with each other more than anything else
Is that the Xtreme Peewee pellets you feeding them?
Yes
What is the fish in the foreground @1:58?
satanoperca leucosticta
Can I keep s fahaka puffer with these?
You can't keep anything with that kind of Puffer
Any experience with threadfin acara ?
Yep, currently have an albino heckili. They are great options as well!
Another cool type of eartheaters are the Retroculus. Super rare, but the retroculus lapidifers are gorgeous. I am also lucky enough to have a group of 6 of them and also 9 sveni.
Han YO1O very nice! Sveni have been on my bucket list for awhile now
Can i keep geos with kribs??
yep
Hey guys can they live in higher ph pushing 8
Usually will be fine
Can these be kept with haps or peacocks?
Referring to the fish that came in 2nd place, I have peacock cichlids but seen them you have at my local shop I really like them. Thanks
Is the winemilleri the same as sveni?
Fish Out With Juno nope, different species. Most Sveni stay a little smaller and get more blue/red coloration
@@CichlidBros smaller like 11 inches? I've been researching but not much about them
Do u think u can tank these up with angelfish and gouramis and if so could I throw Electric Blues in the mix with a bicher? 🤔 🤔
EBAs would most likely pick on the angels. They are mostly peaceful. but they get super aggro when breeding them which kinda just happens. The tank also has to be large enough and have breaks in line of seight. Most geo species would do well with them. I wouldnt do bichirs. They arent aggro, they are just oppertunistic eaters, and can eat things bigger than you think they could. Most bichir species could eat angels and gouramis with a few exceptions. Larger species of gourami and angels would do alright, but most bichir species get big. Senegal bichirs and ropefish are the only ones i would trust since they dont get thicc.
I agree with the above - thanks for the questions/response!
@@hanyo1o132 I am thinking about a 60g tank with geos (or some sub 3" similar fish), 3 or 4 rainbowfish, a pair of peacock gudgeons, and about 60 guppies.
It would be heavily planted and it is already established with sand and many of the plants I would use.
I only want the guppies since they are already in the tank and I'd have to sell/get rid of them as I don't have enough room for another tank. None of the fish I would put in there would be more than 2 or 3 inches long and the guppy fry would have tons of moss to live in (and not a big deal if they become food anyway...)
@@woodworkerroyer8497 Hopefully you plan on having a large unplanted area for them since they sift sand. they usually uproot plants. You might wanna check out gymnogeophagus sp neon blue for a small one. they are nice.
could i have one with my turtle
Can I put geo tapjoes with pearls?
Yep, usually
@@CichlidBros supa cool. Ppl say that pearls are aggressive. You know when a person say aggressive ( African Cichilds hobbyists that aggressive). So far they seem cool. I just want other geos at the same age as mine now! Thank you.
@ericag.4212 Geophagus Brasiliensis | Complete Care & Breeding Guide
th-cam.com/video/36pxpaJKj94/w-d-xo.html
Lol...I am from Suriname...so is the Surinamensis!!!
Hello friend. greetings one hobby in the world of ornamental fish. I am from Indonesia, a successful friend.
I know your instagram😃
Hey there, thanks for watching!
Have you ever thought about Microgeophagus species?
Yep, I have kept different ram species in the past. I didn't include them on this list since they aren't sand sifters as much as the rest here; but they are a great cichlid to keep!
Cool to bring attention to earth eaters. Altifrons is altifrons not altrifons.... and the g. Surinamensis in your list in also altifrons, as usually they are in most lfs stores. Real surinamensis is barely ever seen in the fish trade only imported once a year in very small numbers and essentially non existant in the aquarium trade.
Thanks for watching, and catching that. Gets pretty confusing with such similar types and mislabeling at stores. Love Altifrons
@@CichlidBros A lot of people think they could be the same species, just different locals, and has been up for debate on and off. They keep changing their minds if they are or arent.
so why dont most of these aquariums have SAND SUBSTRATES???
All of my tanks do, but some of the footage is from local fish stores that aren’t their forever home
What uo bro
Biotodoma?
That's another good one. It was hard boiling it down to only a top 10!
What does it mean eartheater?
They take bites of sand or gravel and then sift it through their gills and take the food from it leaving clean sand behind.
It looks like they are eating the sand when you watch them.
Which Geophaguses could be kept in a 60 gal. “sorry for the bad spelling”
Connor Rothandler I would say the redhead tapajos are the best for the 60. A single Balzanii could work as well. Some of the others would possibly outgrow it over time
@@CichlidBros Would either of those work in a heavily planted tank with guppies? Obviously the guppy fry would probably not make it, but I have a 60g that has at least 60 or so guppies and keeping fry is the LEAST of my worries!
i keep 5 gymnogeophagus Balzanii in pond all year , winter water temperature drop to around 40 f - 50 f and night air temperature drop bellow freezing sometimes ... Summer water temperature is around 70 f and air temperature up to 80 f and Balzanii doing fine. Gymnogeophagus will get sick and die sooner or later in temperature 75 f all year . Gymnogeophagus are not tropical fish. Geophagus is different story , they are tropical.
Yep, I agree that they should have a simulated cold season. They can live with other South Americans for a time, but may need to be put in a separate tank for the colder periods
i feel offended that you didn't mention brachybranchus .
OTP Riven wish I could’ve named them all!
@@CichlidBros i mean, you named surinamensis. But not brachybranchus wich is also from suriname and better looking imo.
OTP Riven true. I was trying to keep the list some of the most common types, but I know it also depends on your location for what is most available
I has 4.of these fish all dead now save ur money on getting these geo
They super aggressive they will fight and bite each other! So animal bros I see u on Instagram u and ur brothers run this but save ur money in geos?
Nothing worst then buying 55 doller a fish for 4 pairs just save ur money! Getting the geo not well worth it
Peace fully cichlid than africa
I love your videos, but your pronunciations crack me up. 😂