{"product_id":"braziliensis-cichlid-geophagus-brasiliensis","title":"Braziliensis Cichlid | Geophagus brasiliensis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Pearl (Braziliensis) Cichlid is the hardiest of the eartheaters, its flanks spangled with iridescent blue-green pearls over a warm gold-brown body. Bigger and a touch bolder than most of its relatives, it is an easygoing, characterful fish — but be aware it is a genuinely large cichlid, reaching around 25–28 cm, so it needs a big tank.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeophagus brasiliensis is widespread through the coastal rivers, lagoons and streams of eastern and south-eastern Brazil, from the tropics into cooler subtropical zones. This gives it an unusually wide temperature tolerance. It lives over sand and gravel, sifting the substrate for food among rocks, roots and sparse vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe body is stocky and deep, coloured olive to reddish-brown and studded with rows of shining blue-green to pearly spots that catch the light. Fins are often flushed with red and edged in blue, and dominant fish deepen in colour markedly. Mature specimens are impressively substantial fish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMore assertive than the classic peaceful eartheaters, the Pearl Cichlid is best described as semi-aggressive and territorial, especially as it matures or spawns. It is not a nano or timid-community fish — house it with robust tank mates that can hold their own, in a tank big enough to spread out.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn omnivorous sand-sifter, it takes mouthfuls of substrate to sort out worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates. Offer sinking pellets, plus live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and earthworm, along with some vegetable matter. A soft sand bed lets it feed naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of 250 L, ideally 300 L or more for an adult or a pair. Keep temperature at 20–26 °C — it tolerates cooler water well — with pH 6.5–7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Use a soft sand substrate, strong filtration and sturdy décor. It will dig and rearrange the tank, so plants are best potted, hardy or attached to wood, as it may uproot them. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePearl Cichlids are substrate spawners and dedicated biparental guarders. A pair cleans a flat surface, lays a large batch of eggs and defends the eggs and free-swimming fry together with considerable vigour, which is when they are at their most territorial.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeophagus brasiliensis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePearl (Braziliensis) Cichlid \/ Eartheater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoastal eastern and south-eastern Brazil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 25–28 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 or more years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive and territorial, especially when breeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (sand-sifter): sinking pellets, live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, earthworm, vegetable foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–26 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderately hard, around 4–18 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge cichlid and robust community tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartial — digs and may uproot plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other robust South American cichlids such as Geophagus, larger peaceful catfish (e.g. plecos and Megalechis), silver dollars, larger tetras and other sturdy fish that share its space and water.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with small, timid or slow fish that will be bullied or eaten, delicate planted-tank species, and highly aggressive cichlids that will provoke constant fighting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232809238819,"sku":"AA1501-S","price":12.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232809271587,"sku":"AA1501","price":17.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232809304355,"sku":"AA1501-L","price":22.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-25cm)","offer_id":55351966302499,"sku":"AA1501-XL","price":27.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/braziliensis-cichlid-geophagus-brasiliensis","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}