I'm moving in a few months and breaking down my 75 gallon polypterus tank. I want to start something new and I'm thinking I want to go with Eartheaters. I've kept many cichlids before but I don't know too much about geophagus genus. Could someone point me in the right direction of what kinds of eartheaters I could comfortably keep in a 75 tank? I'd like to do two or more types if possible. Any direction at all would be greatly appreciated
Eartheaters?
- Thread starter KevinNee
- Start date
Start with just some Geo. Orangeheads. They get about 5-6" long and are very pretty. I would make sure the substrate is sand. They like warmer water, I keep mine at 80f.
I have 2 Pearl Eartheaters (Geophagus Brasiliensis), 6-7 inches, in a 92g corner tank. They do dig a lot (the name is accurate) and can be territorial, espcially toward other mid-sized cichids. That said, they share the bottom third of the tank with a 10in polypterus senegalus and they don't pay any attention to it. They are pretty personable - will eat from my hand!
Those were actually my first choice, but I'd like to do more of an eartheater community tank if possible. I know 75 gallons isn't too much to work with but would it be possible to mix the orangeheads with any of these other species:
-steindachneri
-altifrons
-dicrozoster
-winemilleri
Those are just some other types I was interested in. I'd appreciate any suggestions of possible mixes, if possible at all.
75g tank isn't big enough to house the top three species you've listed. You might be able get away with the steinys but they can get more aggressive so watch out. Personally I'd add another type of small mellow SA cichlid with the OHs.