Geophagus altifrons
Geophagus altifrons naturally inhabit the Rio Negro basin in South America. The fish can be found along banks with clear water and sandy substrate with large stones, snags and tree branches scattered about. This fish is quite demanding and not recommended for novice aquarists.
The Geophagus altifrons vary in colour, depending on the area in which they live, from bluish to reddish-orange. There are no sex differences. The sex of the fish can only be distinguished during spawning. The maximum size of the fish is 20-22.5 cm.
An aquarium of at least 500 liters is required to keep these fish. The most important element in the aquarium is sandy substrate. Gravel and small pebbles should not be used as substrate, as the fish sieve through the gills during feeding. Large snags and stones can be placed on the bottom.
Under natural conditions, the bottom is lined with a layer of fallen tree leaves. In aquariums is not recommended to have leaves of trees at the bottom, as fish digging in the substrate, raising a lot of turbidity and decomposed leaves do not only look unsightly, but also quickly clog filter elements water.
Keep Geophagus altifrons can be in a species as well as in a community aquarium with other peaceful fish requiring similar conditions. Aggressive fish or those that require harder water should be avoided. Geofagus should be kept in a small group of 5-8 fish. Over time, a noticeable hierarchy among the fish will be formed. If the fish are kept in smaller numbers, weaker individuals may become a target for the dominant fish.
Water quality is of prime importance, as these cichlids are extremely sensitive to changes in its chemical parameters, so do not introduce these fish in an aquarium, where not yet established biological equilibrium.
To achieve the desired stability of the water parameters, you should use a high-performance external filter of the canister type and change at least ½ of the water each week with fresh water. Contaminated water leads to impaired growth and causes diseases.
Water parameters: temperature 26-32° C, hardness dH 0-5°, pH 4,8-6,6. The water current in the aquarium should be minimal.
Lighting is weak, diffused. Daylight hours should be about 10 hours per day.
Geophagus altifrons feed on zoo- and phytoplankton by sifting sand through the gills. The fish are also fed with artemia, daphnia and bloodworms. It is very important that the food is sinking, as the fish do not take it from the surface of the water. Also, geofagus do not refuse dry flakes and pellets. Feed the fish in small portions 3-4 times a day.
Reproduction
Geophagus altifrons breed in aquarium conditions. It should be said that the fish can spawn at almost any time, and there is no need to create any special conditions.
Since an exact determination of the sex of the fish is virtually impossible, it is best to immediately buy a group of young fish, among which the pair will eventually form naturally.
Before spawning, a pair of producers to select the place where the female will subsequently throw eggs, which usually act as a surface of a large flat rock or snags.
After spawning and fertilization of the eggs by the male, the female collects the eggs into her mouth, where the eggs are incubated. After the larvae hatch, they stay in their mother's mouth for another 8-11 days, and then she starts releasing them for a short time to feed. They swim into the female's mouth at night and emerge again at dawn to feed.
The fry are fed with micro worms and artemia. To maintain the stock of fry it is advisable to transfer them to another aquarium.
The life span of Geophagus altifrons in an aquarium is about 15 years.
