Altifrons Eartheater

Altifrons Eartheater key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

22.5-26.5cm

Temperature

26〜32℃

Diet

Fine-grade sinking foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia

Tank

180 x 60cm (about 648 litres) or larger. Lay a deep bed of fine sand it can sift, and build decor that will not collapse when it digs.

Water Temperature & Quality

26-32C, pH 4.8-6.6, 0-5 dGH. Keep the water soft and acidic, and keep it stable.

Tank Mates

Peaceful and harmless to anything more than a few millimetres long. A group of five to eight or more brings out natural behaviour.

Diet & Feeding

Base the diet on high quality fine-grade prepared foods with frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, split into three or four smaller feeds a day.

Breeding & Spawning

An ovophilous biparental mouthbrooder carrying broods of around 200. At 25-28C fry are free-swimming at eight to eleven days.

Health & Notes

Sharp-edged substrate injures the mouth and gills. Always use fine, rounded sand.

About Altifrons Eartheater

Geophagus altifrons is a large South American cichlid known for sifting sand to find food; docile but demanding, it needs soft water, warm temperatures, and a large tank.

7 things to know before welcoming a Altifrons Eartheater

1. 1Needs a Large Tank

   Adults grow to 22.5–26.5 cm, so they need a spaciously sized tank with plenty of room to swim. A cramped tank can stunt growth and cause stress.

2. 2Prefers Soft, Warm Water

   As a fish native to South American rivers, it favors soft, slightly acidic water and warmer temperatures. Sudden shifts in water quality or temperature are stressful, so aim for stable, consistent conditions.

3. 3Sand Substrate Matters

   As an "eartheater," it naturally takes mouthfuls of substrate to sift out food, so fine, rounded sand lets it express this behavior safely. Sharp or coarse gravel can injure its mouth and gills, so it should be avoided.

4. 4Gentle Despite Its Size

   Despite being a large cichlid, it has a calm temperament and can settle comfortably even in groups. If housing it with more aggressive tankmates, providing hiding spots in the layout will help it feel secure.

5. 5Sinking Foods Suit Them

   Since it naturally forages along the substrate, sinking foods tend to suit its feeding style better than floating ones. A well-balanced prepared diet as the staple works well.

6. 6Sensitive to Poor Water Quality

   Being large and eating a fair amount, it produces more waste and is sensitive to declining water quality. Strong filtration and regular water changes are key to keeping it healthy.

7. 7Prepare the Tank in Advance

   Setting up a large tank and cycling the filtration system takes time, so it's important to prepare the tank environment well before bringing the fish home. Introducing it only once the water parameters have stabilized makes for a smoother start.

Frequently asked questions about Altifrons Eartheater

Q.Can beginners keep this fish?

A.Geophagus altifrons is generally considered a fish for experienced keepers. It requires careful management of soft water, warmer temperatures, and a large tank, so it's best attempted once you have some aquarium experience.

Q.How large a tank do I need?

A.Adults grow to 22.5–26.5 cm, so a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room is essential. Even for a single fish, choose a larger tank to accommodate its adult size.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Its calm temperament makes community living possible, but much smaller fish may be seen as food. Choosing tankmates of similar size and temperament is the safer approach.

Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?

A.Geophagus altifrons is not subject to CITES.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.Since it naturally forages along the substrate for food, sinking prepared foods are a good staple. Offer a nutritionally balanced diet and adjust the amount based on its condition.

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