Question regarding Geophagus

[carcinoma]

I'm thinking about ordering some fish from Jeff Rapps.
Would the following be compatible in a 135g tank?

(3) Gymnogeophagus balzani
(3) “ cf. meridionalis ‘Sequeira’
(3) “ cf. rhabdotus ‘Convento’
(5) Geophagus sp. ‘red head Tapajos’

 

[darth pike]

Only for part of the year, as the three Gymnogeophagus species would need a cooling down period ... one the Geophagus sp. 'Tapajos' wouldn't survive. Actually, the Tapajos would want a higher temp throughout the year than the Gymnogeophagus would like.

BTW ... I think meridionalis was condensed into rhabdotus ... so you might see some aggression between the two. Also possible location hybrid possiblities.

 

[SusieQ]

Hi... I agree... the temps would be an issue.. The gymnos need cooler temps as well as a "cooling period". I keep my 6 orangehead geos at 84 in the 120 gallon tank. They, as most geos, are very social creatures.. Also 3 is a bad number for many fish including geos/gymnos.. The smallest always gets the raw end of the deal ... get at least 4 of whatever you end up with to spread out any aggression as they grow.. For eartheaters the footprint of the tank is what's important.. 14 fish that are all gonna want the sand substrate as their turf is gonna be way crowded.. I would choose and pick either the geo or gymno type and then go from there with your setup... Since you are thinking of ordering from Jeff, if you look at Jeffs site he has quite a bit of info on the eartheaters and that might help you make up your mind. Also MFK as well as Cichlid-Forum has quite a few very knowledgeable eartheater addicts so feel free to search the thtreads and ask questions.. Good luck whatever you decide to do and then lets see some pics please HTH Sue