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Redhump eartheater (Geophagus proximus) — Cichlidae

Redhump eartheater

Geophagus proximus
Family: Cichlidae

The Redhump eartheater (Geophagus proximus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
34.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Redhump eartheater is an eartheater cichlid from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a deep, silvery body with glittering spots and a pointed head. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is a mouth or substrate brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redhump eartheater?

The Redhump eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Redhump eartheater live?

The Redhump eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Redhump eartheater get?

The Redhump eartheater grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Redhump eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Redhump eartheater is harmless to humans.

Is the Redhump eartheater edible?

Yes, the Redhump eartheater is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Naburige aardeter sourced
English name
Redhump eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Geophagus proximus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

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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