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Striped-cheek eartheater (Geophagus taeniopareius) — Cichlidae

Striped-cheek eartheater

Geophagus taeniopareius
Family: Cichlidae

The Striped-cheek eartheater (Geophagus taeniopareius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela

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Description

The Striped-cheek eartheater is an eartheater (Cichlidae) from clear and blackwater rivers of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, yellow-brown body with glittering rows of spots and often a dark flank spot. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, worms and organic matter. It is a mouthbrooder that protects the young in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped-cheek eartheater?

The Striped-cheek eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Striped-cheek eartheater live?

The Striped-cheek eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Striped-cheek eartheater get?

The Striped-cheek eartheater grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Striped-cheek eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped-cheek eartheater is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Striped-cheek eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Geophagus taeniopareius
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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