Tank setup
A minimum 350L aquarium suits Geophagus Surinamensis. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
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What to know before you buy.
Geophagus surinamensis, commonly called the Red Striped Eartheater, is a stunning South American cichlid known for its iridescent body markings and distinctive red lateral stripes. True to its name, it feeds by scooping mouthfuls of substrate and sifting out edible particles through its gills — a fascinating behaviour to observe. It prefers a sand substrate, warm water, and subdued lighting. Best kept in groups of five or more to spread aggression and encourage natural social dynamics.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Geophagus Surinamensis healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 350L aquarium suits Geophagus Surinamensis. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 5.5–7 and 26–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Geophagus Surinamensis is omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Geophagus Surinamensis is generally semi-aggressive. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized semi-aggressive tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Geophagus Surinamensis vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
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SA price range this month: R176–500 · Average: R274
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Species that typically work alongside Geophagus Surinamensis in a similar setup.
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