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Braziliensis (Geophagus brasiliensis) — Cichlidae

Braziliensis

Geophagus brasiliensis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Braziliensis (Geophagus brasiliensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The pearl eartheater is an eartheater cichlid (Cichlidae) from eastern South America. The species has a deep, grey-green body densely studded with shiny blue-green pearl spots, to which the name refers. It inhabits rivers, lakes and coastal lagoons and tolerates slightly brackish water. As an 'eartheater' it takes mouthfuls of bottom substrate and sifts out small invertebrates, plant remains and detritus. It forms pairs and tends the brood carefully. It is popular with aquarists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Braziliensis?

The Braziliensis has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Braziliensis live?

The Braziliensis lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Braziliensis get?

The Braziliensis grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.

Is the Braziliensis dangerous to humans?

No, the Braziliensis is harmless to humans.

Is the Braziliensis edible?

The Braziliensis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parelcichlide sourced
English name
Braziliensis verified
Scientific name
Geophagus brasiliensis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Earth eater; Pearl cichlid; Pearl eartheater verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Average length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Geophagus

More from the family Cichlidae

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