Red Hump Eartheater - (Geophagus steindachneri)

🐟 Red Hump Eartheater – (Geophagus steindachneri) – Colorful Mouthbrooding Cichlid for Sale

The Red Hump Eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) is a vibrant and fascinating South American cichlid known for its brilliant red nuchal hump in males and its unique mouthbrooding behavior. Native to rivers in Colombia and Venezuela, this species is an active sand-sifter, using its gills to filter out edible particles while keeping the substrate clean.

Peaceful for a cichlid, the Red Hump Eartheater thrives in community aquariums with sandy bottoms and plenty of open swimming space. Its breeding behavior is especially interesting, with males displaying their bright red humps and females carrying fertilized eggs and fry in their mouths until they are ready to swim freely.

🔎 Quick Facts – Red Hump Eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri)

• 📛 Common Names: Red Hump Eartheater, Steindachner’s Eartheater
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Geophagus steindachneri
• 🌍 Origin: Colombia & Venezuela – South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Males have a prominent red hump and more intense coloration; females smaller with subtler hues
• 📏 Max Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available; often captive-bred

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful, works well in community setups
• 🐟 Active sand-sifter, constantly foraging
• 👫 Best kept in small groups or harems (one male with several females)
• 🪵 Non-aggressive except during breeding

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons for a small group
• 🌿 Sandy substrate is essential for natural feeding behavior
• 🪵 Driftwood, smooth rocks, and open swimming areas
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate water movement

💧 Water Parameters – Red Hump Eartheater Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🌾 High-quality sinking cichlid pellets
• 🦐 Frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
• 🪱 Bloodworms and blackworms (as treats)
• 🥬 Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini

📋 Red Hump Eartheater Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Red Hump Eartheater combines striking male breeding colors with intriguing mouthbrooding behavior, making it a perfect choice for aquarists who enjoy both beauty and fascinating natural behaviors.