RED STRIPE EARTHEATER (GEOPHAGUS SURINAMENSIS)

Red Stripe Eartheater (Geophagus surinamensis) – Graceful Diggers with Striking Color

The Red Stripe Eartheater, also known by its scientific name Geophagus surinamensis, is a stunning South American cichlid celebrated for its gentle temperament, sifting behavior, and elegant body shape. Named “Eartheater” for their unique habit of scooping substrate into their mouths and filtering it through their gills, these fish bring natural behavior and color into any large, peaceful aquarium.

Their subtle red horizontal stripe, long flowing fins, and iridescent scales shimmer under tank lighting—especially in well-kept, clean water. These cichlids thrive in planted or soft-bottom aquariums and make ideal tankmates for other calm South American species.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Geophagus surinamensis

• Common Names: Red Stripe Eartheater, Surinam Eartheater

• Adult Size: 8–10 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive (especially during breeding)

• Tank Size: 75+ gallons

• Water Parameters: 76–84°F | pH 6.0–7.5 | Soft, sandy substrate ideal

• Diet: Omnivore – sinking pellets, frozen foods, live worms, algae wafers

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Red Stripe Eartheaters thrive in:

• Aquariums with fine sand substrates (for natural sifting)

• Low-current water with ample swimming space

• Driftwood, leaf litter, and dim lighting to mimic their natural habitat

Compatible with:

• Severums, Uarus, Silver Dollars, peaceful catfish, Rainbowfish

• Avoid overly aggressive cichlids or fin-nippers

• Best kept in groups of 4+ to minimize dominance behavior

Behavior:

• 🪨 Constant substrate sifters – help keep the tank bottom clean

• 🧘 Calm, schooling cichlid – prefers peaceful tankmates

• 👨👩👦 Great parents – show fascinating brood care if breeding occurs

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Red Stripe Eartheater is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for strong color and peaceful temperament

• ✅ Quarantined and conditioned on a varied diet

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ An ideal choice for South American biotope tanks or exotic cichlid collections

📦 Add movement, grace, and natural behavior to your aquarium with the Red Stripe Eartheater—a truly fascinating cichlid with subtle beauty and smart personality. Now available at RobsAquatics.com.