This species is also known incorrectly as Geophagus hondae.
The redhump earth eater is a specialised openly polygamous
breeder. Unlike the harem breeders such as Gymnogeophagus
balzani or pair formers such as Geophagus braziliensis, a
bond is only formed at spawning time. After spawning the
female takes up the eggs imediately in a fashion similar to
the rift lake cichlids of africa. The male then plays no
role at all fry raising and leaves in search of other
females. The males can be quite aggressive towards other
males and only a single male should be kept with 2-3 females
to share out the harrassment those females receive. It is
believed that the red patches around the mouth of the male
act in much the same way as egg spots in the cichlids of
Lake Malawi. The species occurs naturally in water that is
slightly soft and acidic between pHs 6.5 - 7.0 although in
aquariums it will except a reasonable range of water
chemistry.
Photo Courtesy: Anita Reismann
Origin: Columbia
Maximum Size: m: 20cm f: 15-17cm
Sexual Dimorphism: Pronounced. Males grow larger, are more
brightly coloured and have a prominent hump on the forehead
which is reddish in colour. Thus the common name Redhump
earth eater.
Mating System: Open polygamy
Breeding Method: Ovophile mouthbrooder.
