Geophagus Brasiliensis (Pearl Cichlid)

Overview

• Scientific Name: Geophagus brasiliensis
• Common Names: Pearl Cichlid, Brazilian Earth Eater, Pearlscale Cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: South America, primarily in Brazil but also found in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Adults typically reach between 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm), though they can grow slightly larger in spacious environments.
• Coloration:
  • The body is generally a grayish-blue or olive color, covered with brilliant pearl-like spots that shimmer in light, giving it the name "Pearl Cichlid."
  • Breeding males develop a more intense coloration with a deeper red or pink hue on their underbellies and gills.
  • Their fins can have hints of blue, red, or green, especially in males.

Behavior

• Temperament: Pearl Cichlids are generally semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. They are territorial and may assert dominance over other tank mates, but are less aggressive than some larger cichlids.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and often sift through the substrate in search of food, which is a natural behavior for Geophagus species. They may rearrange the substrate, so aquascaping should take this into consideration.
• Sociability: They can be kept alone, in pairs, or with other large, robust fish. However, they may show aggression toward smaller or more timid species.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of a 75-gallon tank is recommended for a single adult Pearl Cichlid, but larger tanks are necessary for multiple individuals or if kept in a community setup.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 5 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as Pearl Cichlids enjoy sifting through the sand. Coarser substrates may harm their gill covers and mouth.
• Tank Setup:
  • Decorations: Include plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, caves, and driftwood. As they may dig, rooted plants should be avoided or secured with heavy rocks. Hardy plants like Java Fern can be attached to decorations.
  • Filtration: A robust filtration system is necessary to handle their waste, as they are larger fish and produce more waste than smaller species. Ensure the tank has good water circulation but not overly strong currents.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting works well to showcase their iridescent scales.

Diet

• Feeding: Geophagus brasiliensis are omnivores and need a balanced diet of both animal and plant-based foods. Their diet in the wild consists of small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. In captivity, they will accept:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple diet.
  • Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Vegetables: Blanched peas, spinach, or other green vegetables can be added occasionally.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times per day, giving them only as much as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Pearl Cichlids are substrate spawners and form monogamous pairs. They tend to become more territorial and aggressive during breeding.
• Spawning Conditions: To encourage breeding, maintain water temperatures around 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C). The pair will clean a flat surface (such as a rock or piece of slate) where the female will lay her eggs.
• Parental Care: Both parents are highly protective of the eggs and fry, and they will guard their territory aggressively during this time. The eggs hatch within 2 to 3 days, and the fry become free-swimming within a week.
• Fry Care: Feed fry with infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food initially, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Geophagus brasiliensis can be housed with other similarly sized or robust fish. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Other large cichlids such as Severums, Jack Dempseys, or Convicts (with caution).
  • Larger catfish like Plecos or Synodontis.
  • Non-aggressive species such as Silver Dollars or large tetras.
• Avoid Small or Delicate Fish: They may see small fish as prey or outcompete them for food, so avoid keeping them with small tetras or livebearers.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Pearl Cichlids can live for 8 to 10 years in captivity, though some have been reported to live longer in well-maintained aquariums.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are essential for their health, especially since they are larger fish and produce more waste. Keep an eye on ammonia and nitrate levels.
• Disease Prevention: Pearl Cichlids are relatively hardy but can still suffer from common freshwater fish diseases such as ich or fin rot if water conditions are poor.

Interesting Facts

1. "Earth Eater" Behavior: Like other Geophagus species, Pearl Cichlids are known for their "earth-eating" behavior. They sift through the substrate in search of food, using their mouths to filter out edible particles and expelling the rest.
2. Color Change During Breeding: Males exhibit more intense red and pink coloration during breeding season, especially around their throat and belly.
3. Highly Territorial: They are particularly territorial during breeding and will aggressively defend their area, making them more aggressive during these periods.