Geophagus and Gymnogeophagus ciclids

[peifc]

I don't know much about Geophagus and Gymno, but I would like to have a few for my 72 gallons tank. I heard some people said that they are quite peaceful compare to other cichlids.

I checked out some fish list on Jeff Rapps website. I'm really interested in getting a few of those fellows.

I tried to get some information on them, but no luck. I don't konw if any of you have own any of these fish to give me some information.

I need to know their ph, temparament, how big they get, and what kinds of gravels best for them.

Here are the fish I'm interested in.

Geophagus sp. 'Bahia red'
Geophagus sp. 'Rio Areoes'
Gymnogeophagus Balzani

Thanks in advance

 

[stoffel]

Hi there!

I've got some geophagus species... But not the one you mentioned...

I've got geophagus brasiliensis, and acarichthys heckelli.

The water they feel best in is rather acidic and soft... But these also like harder water since there actually found a bit everywhere especially the heckelli... The brasiliensis I found less aggressive than the heckelli but some believe that they are more... I think it's all about how much space they have , ...
their temperament I like a lot! There always digging and playing with each other...
The gravel they need is sand small sand because they're constantly digging!(taking the sand in there mouth and move it around but also filtering it through there mouth.

I hope I've helped you a bit ... If more questions asked don't bother disturbing me with an email or here on the forum!

CU
Stoffel

 

[scott]

If you type in the names at google.com you will get tons of info. I have found info even on my rarely imported wild eartheaters.

They generally prefer softer acidic water and a sand or small gravel substrate. Some are from rivers so a powerhead to create current might be nice. Stoffel pretty much covered everything though.

If you are getting them from Rapps, get the retroculous awesome fish!

 

[AikidoGuy]

I have a few geo species, but none that you asked about.
I keep a breeding pair of F1 Geophagus steindachneri and a F1 Geophagus "Red-headed" tapajos. Both species are pretty peaceful. The steindachneri male seems a bit rough with the female but not so bad that i wouldnt attempt breeding them. I added a third which was a female and he has calmed down and the female seems happier since now she has something to have the abuse shared with. I have the steindachneri ina 90gall with a pair of archocentrus Honduran "red-fins" a.k.a. Blue convicts, and three juvenile gold sajica and I have no problems with the other tankmates.

The Tapajos is an awsome looking geo. Extremely colorful. Most definitely a show fish! I picked mine up when i was at Jeffs Rapps place a few months ago. As i was looking all his stock i stopped dead in my tracks at the tapajos tank and said what is this fish! I Must have it! So jeff bagged it for me and now its in my 220gal show tank with a Male Vieja Synspilum, and pair of copora nicaraguense, along with 12 clown loaches. The geo does fine with that mix of tankmates and fits in perfect with all those colorful fish. From what Ive been told the tapajos likes to be in groups of its own kind so keeping more than one is ok!

90% of my fish are from Jeff, you cant go wrong with his stock.

 

[peifc]

I thought Jeff Rapps do not take the walkin.

There are many things I need to think about, especially figuring out what fish I keep and how to set tank up.

How fast does the Geophagus grow? Need to know how soon I need to upgrade my tank

 

[AikidoGuy]

Correct he does not allow public walk ins. Theres a handfull of hobbyiest that are in a tight knit group that are friends with him . Hell I was even out drinking with him memorial day weekend with a few other hobbyiests . but anyway.. Most Geos grow at a decent speed maybe not an 1" a month but its somewhat fast. Good thing is most dont get overly large so keeping 2 or 3 of a species can work out.