Just got my first GEO! W00T! Now I need an I.D.!!

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Plec123

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jun 26, 2009
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Today I walked lazily into Petsmart to get food when something caught my eye. the first cichlid tank (obviously you dont just go to a lfs to buy food, you have to look at every tank) had something they called a "Surinamensis cichlid" (obviously a Geophagus of some sort) in it. Not even my best lfs has had these when ive gone there, so i snapped one up.
It's just entered my tank and I will be getting sand for a substrate eventually, most likely black.
The geo is the most active fish right now and doesn't hide like the acara, so I'm thankful for that.
However I've got no clue what species it is as I don't trust Petsmart's labels in the least.

By now you should see that I'm very excited about this new pickup, so PLEASE help me I.D. it, or just tell me what you think of it!

It's about 2".

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True surinamensis are pretty hard to find, mainly because other geos that look like them (abalios, altifrons, etc.) are mislabled as surinamensis...

Most likely you don't have surinamensis, but actually abalios, altifrons, etc.
Your little guy may have to grow out before a correct ID can be determined..

Nice geo!
 
In my experience with my Geophagus brasilensis they did well with gravel as well. With sand they'll turn the bottom into a tank into a mine field after the mines have gone off. Enjoy your geo! I'm gonna step by PetsMart now to see if they have anything new. :headbang2
 
Ive got a few of those lil guys myself in my grow out tank. Love em !! Lil skiddish though.
 
Suri :)
 
we4wieners;4352590; said:
Ive got a few of those lil guys myself in my grow out tank. Love em !! Lil skiddish though.

at least its not hiding like my acara... even though he darts for the plants a lot, hes out and about often.

Cichla dude;4352593; said:
you think? i heard they were rarely imported and many fish are mislabeled as them.
 
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