Gymnogeophagus balzani has only recently become
available in Australia and is an interesting
species to keep. G. balzani is a relatively
peaceful species although males of the species
become increasingly intolerant of other males in
their territories as they mature. The species
tolerates slightly lower temperature than many
of their more tropical cousins and will except
temperatures as low as 15oC. There are some
suggestions that fish not appropriately
“wintered” at these lower temperatures die
wthout other apparent cause, though this is
unclear at this point in time.
Origin: Paraguay, Uruguay & NE Argentina
Maximum Size: m: 20cm f: 15-17cm
Sexual Dimorphism: Pronounced. Males grow
slightly larger, have a much more prominent
forehead. The females are smaller and have a
more orange to yellow colour particularly at the
behind and below the operculum.
Mating System: Harem polygamy
Breeding Method: Delayed ovophile mouthbrooder.
G. balzani would be best housed in a reasonably large tank with other peaceful geophagines, Aequidens or Heros spp. The species naturally occurs in pHs from 7.0 - 7.5 and general hardness of around 10dGh. The species is a delayed ovophile mouthbrooder and the 500 or so eggs are laid on a flatened stone or leaf before being taken up by the female 24hr after they are laid. The male plays no role except for territorial defence in the raising of the fry.
