Fin's Fish Guide
The Eartheater (Geophagus brachybranchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The eartheater is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from northern South America. The species has a deep body with a pointed head and, like all eartheaters (Geophagus), a specialised mouth with which it takes large mouthfuls of sand and sifts them in the gill chamber for edible particles, then expels the sand through the gill slits. It inhabits rivers with sand and mud bottoms. In this way it obtains small invertebrates, organic material and detritus from the sediment. As a cichlid it tends its brood. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eartheater?
The Eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sifts sand in the gill cavity for edible particles ('eartheater'); attentive parental carer.
Where does the Eartheater live?
The Eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; rivers with sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Eartheater get?
The Eartheater grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Eartheater dangerous to humans?
No, the Eartheater is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eartheater edible?
The Eartheater is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Geophagus
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Eartheater?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eartheater is one of 12,519 species in the app.