Fin's Fish Guide
The Redstriped eartheater (Geophagus surinamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of north-eastern South America (the Guianas and the peripheral Amazon region), in sandy rivers and creeks.
Description
The redstriped eartheater is a deep, laterally compressed cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 30 cm. The silvery body shines with pearly spots and red-brown and blue lines over head and flank. Its name comes from its way of feeding: it takes mouthfuls of sand, sieves out insect larvae, worms, small crustaceans and plant matter with its gills, and spits the clean grains back out. The species comes from sandy rivers and creeks of the Guianas and the Amazon fringe. In reproduction the parents lay the eggs on a surface and take the young into the mouth when threatened. Because of its handsome colours it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redstriped eartheater?
The Redstriped eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep-bodied cichlid with pearly spots and red-blue lines; takes sand into its mouth, sifts the food out of it and spits the grains out again.
Where does the Redstriped eartheater live?
The Redstriped eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of north-eastern South America (the Guianas and the peripheral Amazon region), in sandy rivers and creeks.
How big does the Redstriped eartheater get?
The Redstriped eartheater grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Redstriped eartheater dangerous to humans?
No, the Redstriped eartheater is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Redstriped eartheater edible?
The Redstriped 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 Redstriped eartheater?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redstriped eartheater is one of 12,519 species in the app.