Geophagus iporangensis
Geophagus iporangensis naturally occurs only in the Rio Ribeira de Iguapé river basin, which is located on the border between the states of São Paulo and Paraná in southern Brazil. Much of the river flows through the rainforest, leaving large amounts of organic matter at the bottom in the form of fallen leaves, tree branches and roots. As a result of decomposition, tannins are released into the water, causing the water to turn a brownish colour. The fish stay in the shade of tree crowns overhanging the water, among snags and sandy bottoms.
Males of Geophagus iporangensis are slightly larger than females and eventually develop a neck hump. The body of the fish is coloured light brown. Fine bluish mottling is scattered throughout the body. This mottling becomes denser on the fins and tail plumage. Males reach a size of 10 cm, while females are usually 6-8.5 cm.
As Geophagus iporangensis feeds by sifting through the gills, it needs sand or, as a rule, fine ground gravel as a substrate. Gravel with sharp edges may damage the gills of the fish and should therefore never be used.
Snags, tree branches and large stones should be placed at the bottom of the aquarium. Keep the fish in a group of at least 5. Such a number of fish may be kept in an aquarium of 100 liters.
The males are territorial, especially during the spawning season. At this time, the male violently protect the spawning area and fry from other fish. At other times Geophagus iporangensis quite harmless fish, which can be kept in a common aquarium with other peace-loving fish of comparable size.
Water quality is of prime importance, as these cichlids are very sensitive to chemical deterioration. Therefore do not place these fish in an aquarium in which biological equilibrium has not yet been established. An external canister filter and a weekly change of ½ of the aquarium water with fresh water is best. In case of poor water quality, fish become ill and their development slows down considerably.
Water parameters: temperature 20-26° C, hardness dH 1-10°, pH 6.0-7.0.
In nature, Geophagus iporangensis feeds on aquatic invertebrates, fry and plants. under aquarium conditions they are given artemium, daphnia, moths, sinking dry food. Feed the fish twice a day.
Reproduction
Under acceptable conditions Geophagus iporangensis spawn in the aquarium. During the spawning period between a male and one of the females is formed a temporary pair. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for a long-lasting pair to form between the fish.
Producers select a place in the aquarium for the nest (the surface of a large flat rock, snags, etc.) and clean it from algae and dirt. After spawning and fertilization of eggs by the male, she stays to guard the nest, and the male guards them nearby.
The fry are guarded by both parents until they are large enough and independent.
The fry are fed with artemia, and when they mature, they are fed with frozen chironomid. The fry are fed 4 times a day.
Life expectancy of Geophagus iporangensis in aquarium conditions is 10-15 years.
