Geophagus Whitespot Eartheater (Leucosticta)

Native to the Guiana Shield in eastern Venezuela (rivers draining into Guyana from Bolivar state), Guyana (throughout the country), northwestern Suriname (Nickerie and Sipaliwini districts), and northern Brazil (Roraima state). It is known with certainty from the Essequibo, Demerara, Nickerie, and Branco river systems, but in the Guianas is also likely to occur in the Cuyuni, Mazaruni, Berbice, and Courantyne/Corantijn watersheds.

Mostly found in main river channels, smaller tributaries and floodplain lakes, typically over substrates of sand or mud with patches of leaf litter and submerged tree branches.

The most essential item of décor is a soft, sandy substrate so that the fish can naturally. Coarser materials such as gravel or small pebbles can inhibit feeding, damage gill filaments and even be ingested with the potential of internal damage or blockages.

Water quality is of the utmost importance since these cichlids are extremely susceptible to deteriorating water quality and swings in chemical parameters so should never be introduced to a biologically immature aquarium. Requires soft, acidic conditions and in most cases will not thrive in untreated tap water.

Care
Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 15cm
Origin: South America
Family: Cichlidae
Tank Size: 250L
Temperature: 24 - 27c
pH: 5.0-7.5

Photo 1: adult fish and potential growth size. Photo 2: Juvenile, similar fish supplied

Photos for reference only If you like updated photo please and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.