
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Geophagus steindachneri
An eartheater from Colombia and Venezuela; mature males develop a large red nuchal hump. It sifts sand through its mouth for food, and females brood eggs and fry in their mouths.
Geophagus steindachneri, the redhump eartheater, occurs in the Magdalena, Cauca and Sinú basins of Colombia and the Río Limón (Lake Maracaibo drainage) in Venezuela (FishBase). It reaches 19.8 cm TL. Mature males develop the large red nuchal hump that gives the fish its name. It prefers sandy forest streams, tributaries and backwaters, taking mouthfuls of sand and sifting out small invertebrates, seeds and detritus through the gills. Females are mouthbrooders, and free-swimming fry return to the mother's mouth for some time when threatened; males may spawn with several females. Colour forms vary by locality, and fish are sometimes sold under the old name Geophagus hondae. Distinct from G. altifrons and 'G.' brasiliensis, it gives its name to the 'G.' steindachneri group of related species. In Japan it is found in shops specialising in South American cichlids.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Redhump eartheater grows to Up to 19.8 cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Redhump eartheater is 24〜26℃.
Origin
South America (Magdalena and other basins in Colombia, northwestern Venezuela)
Size
Up to 19.8 cm TL
Temperature
24〜26℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Omnivore (fine-grade pellets, frozen foods, plant matter)
24-26°C, pH 6.5-7.0, 5-15 dH (FishBase); Seriously Fish gives 20-30°C and pH 6.0-7.5. Sensitive to poor water; weekly changes of 40-70% are recommended.
Soft, fine sand is essential because it feeds by sifting; coarse gravel hinders feeding and damages gills. Seriously Fish suggests a 120 x 45 cm footprint. Prevent stirred sand from entering the filter.
Males fight, so keep one male with three or more females unless the tank is very large. Mid-water characins make good companions; avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers.
It cannot handle large items. Feed fine sinking foods and small frozen foods such as bloodworm and Artemia in 3-4 small meals a day.
The female mouthbroods for 10-14 days, and fry return to her mouth for a week or more after release. Brooding females are often moved to a separate tank.
Never add it to an immature tank, and do not cross colour forms from different localities.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Redhump eartheater is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Redhump eartheater typically reaches Up to 19.8 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Redhump eartheater feeds on: Omnivore (fine-grade pellets, frozen foods, plant matter). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Redhump eartheater varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026