eartheater tankmates for a texas

[CichlidBeautyAlways]

I've had a full grown male Cyano with Geophagus before, and no problems at all between the 2.

It all really depends on the tank size.. Also, a real "Texas" is going to be more territorial than a "commonly referred to as" Texas (Carpintis) and the tank size will play a factor as well..

Which eartheater species are you interested in? Learning about them before throwing them into a deathtrap would be the way to go..

thats funny and so right bc my texas escondido is very territorial she was running my 55 gallon the first week she was here and my other cichlids have been with us WAAAYYY longer.!! I love this sight so much insight from others; i deffinitely learn alot. Happy Holidays!

 

[duanes]

Water parameters may be something to consider when choosing between earth eaters, there is a big difference between what a Geo altifrons needs, and a Geo braziliensis, or what a none Geophagine earth eater needs compared to a a Brazilian endemic.
Below is some catch location data for the Herichthys (Texas) group of cichlids are most comfortable in.

Now below a couple sets of catch data from where the altifrons group may be found.


Now a couple sets of data from where many South American Geos are found


Although pH can vary, the most important parameters may be the two hardness numbers and conductivity.

If your water is hard like the data for Texas, it could be very unhealthy for the altifrons group, and you'd be better off with something from a hard water area, like the braziliensus group, or a Central American earth eating equivalent.
Often soft water Geos housed in hard water end up with chronic HLLE over time.

And Herichthys can be very territorial and aggressive, especially if it has already claimed the entire area of the tank.
The tank size (footprint) may also be a determining factor as to successful combination or not, a 6 ft tank is better, under 6 ft, could be iffy,

I have kept many Herichthys, and Geos, but would not keep them in the same tank.