Geophagus Surinamensis

[Michael Day]

Hey guys from the other side of the world. I am currently getting a tank made 40x31x24 around 125 gallons (converted from metric).
Looking at getting some Geophagus Surinamensis just wondering how many could comfortably go in this tank?
It will be scaped with driftwood, sand, and a few rocks.

 

[Frank Castle]

Hey guys from the other side of the world. I am currently getting a tank made 40x31x24 around 125 gallons (converted from metric).
Looking at getting some Geophagus Surinamensis just wondering how many could comfortably go in this tank?
It will be scaped with driftwood, sand, and a few rocks.

at least 10...if not, 8

Plans for tankkmates?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Geophagus surinamensis is a rare fish in nature and also rare in the hobby.
Most fish labeled as geophagus surinamensis are infact normally closely related geophagus from the altifrons complex.
The basic care requirements of these fish are pretty much the same.
I would start with a group of six juveniles and see how things turn out.

I have had many sold to me as geophagus surinamensis but they have turned out to be geophagus dicrozoster or geophagus altifrons.

 

[Michael Day]

Geophagus surinamensis is a rare fish in nature and also rare in the hobby.
Most fish labeled as geophagus surinamensis are infact normally closely related geophagus from the altifrons complex.
The basic care requirements of these fish are pretty much the same.
I would start with a group of six juveniles and see how things turn out.

I have had many sold to me as geophagus surinamensis but they have turned out to be geophagus dicrozoster or geophagus altifrons.

Yeah you are probably right, over here in NZ we only have 3 types on the import list and Surinamensis seems to be what they get called here.

 

[Michael Day]

at least 10...if not, 8

Plans for tankkmates?

I was thinking species only tank maybe with a couple of smaller plecos.

8-10 seems like an lot for a fish that grow to a potential size of 12-15". Do they like to be overstocked? With plenty of filtration of course.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

They do tend to do well in groups however like you have said they are not small fish.
I think six would be a good number.
I also like the idea of a species tank,they look their best that way to me.
Like you said some small plecs like the clown plec for example and maybe some surface dwelling species like silver hatchets and you have a cracking tank and compatibility that won't give you a headache.

 

[Frank Castle]

I was thinking species only tank maybe with a couple of smaller plecos.

8-10 seems like an lot for a fish that grow to a potential size of 12-15". Do they like to be overstocked? With plenty of filtration of course.

They do tend to do well in groups however like you have said they are not small fish.
I think six would be a good number.
I also like the idea of a species tank,they look their best that way to me.
Like you said some small plecs like the clown plec for example and maybe some surface dwelling species like silver hatchets and you have a cracking tank and compatibility that won't give you a headache.

Yea, what he said. I like Stanzzzz7 's advice for Geos and always wear a lifejacket

 

[Michael Day]

Thanks for the advise guys, not a very common fish over here so it hard to get solid info.

 

[BMac91]

I was thinking species only tank maybe with a couple of smaller plecos.

8-10 seems like an lot for a fish that grow to a potential size of 12-15". Do they like to be overstocked? With plenty of filtration of course.

Stanz advice is on point, however, don't expect a Dicrozoster or an Abalios Geo to get 12-15", they are typically gonna push 8-9" and stop. Altifrons can get on the larger side, but for the most part these guys typically stay a few inches under 10.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Stanz advice is on point, however, don't expect a Dicrozoster or an Abalios Geo to get 12-15", they are typically gonna push 8-9" and stop. Altifrons can get on the larger side, but for the most part these guys typically stay a few inches under 10.

Agreed.I have yet to see any of the above reach more than 8 inches.Still a sizable fish.6 adults will fill the op's tank nicely.