Species profile
Geophagus Surinamensis Group
Geophagus surinamensis group
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
600 L minimum aquarium
18–30 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Group-level eartheater profile only; 'surinamensis group' in the trade can cover several similar species and locality forms.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
3.2
Social sand-sifting cichlids that require a group and a broad bed of fine sand. Spawning pairs can become territorial.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
600 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Alternative names
Geophagus surinamensis complex, Surinamensis-group Eartheaters
Native range
Northern South America at group level; exact range depends on the actual species/locality represented.
Natural habitat
Typically sand or mud-bottomed riverine/floodplain habitats; precise habitat should be replaced with species/locality data once identity is resolved.
Diet & feeding
Benthic sifters taking invertebrates, detritus and plant/organic material from substrate.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexual characters vary by species; generic visual sexing claims are unsafe for an unresolved group.
Breeding
Reproductive mode varies within closely related Geophagus; do not assign one detailed mouthbrooding sequence to an unidentified group record.