Pearl Cichlid

The pearl cichlid takes its name from the blue-white spots shining in the center of every scale on its dark gray-olive body. The dark blotch in the middle of the body and the blue-spotted fins are its other distinctive features. Mature males develop a forehead hump.

Although it carries the name Geophagus, it is quite different from the large eartheaters of the Amazon: it tolerates cooler and harder water, lays its eggs in the open on a stone and is more territorial. Scientists are debating whether this species and its close relatives may later be moved to a separate genus.

Because of its hardiness, released populations have been reported in some countries. Aquarium fish must never be released into the wild.

It lives in rivers, lakes and lagoons draining into the Atlantic along the eastern and southern coast of Brazil, as well as in Uruguay. The region is subtropical; the water temperature changes markedly with the seasons. It feeds by sifting sand over sandy and muddy bottoms.

• Volume: At least 250 liters and 120 cm of length for a pair.
• Substrate: Fine sand; it constantly digs in the substrate and excavates pits.
• Decor: Large stones and roots. Rooted plants may be uprooted; Anubias and Java fern survive if tied to stones.
• Water: It adapts to a wide range of values; 22–25°C is ideal. A 30% water change every week.

Omnivorous. Use sinking cichlid granules as the staple; vary the diet with frozen bloodworms, mysis, shrimp and vegetables. Since it feeds from the bottom, the food needs to reach the substrate. One or two meals a day are enough for adults; overfeeding quickly spoils water quality.

It has a tougher temperament than other Geophagus species. It is territorial toward its own species and similar-looking cichlids; during breeding it fiercely chases its neighbors.

Good companions: Robust cichlids of similar size (severum, green terror in a large tank, firemouth), large barbs, plecos, silver dollars.

Avoid: Small tetras and rasboras, shrimp, very calm species that need warm water, such as discus and angelfish.

Kept as a pair. Raise juveniles together and choose a pair that forms; the extra fish should be removed. In a large tank it can be kept together with cichlids of other species.

It is an open spawner: the pair lays a few hundred eggs on a flat stone it has cleaned. The eggs hatch in 3–4 days, and the larvae are moved into dug-out pits. Both parents guard the fry for weeks. The fry are fed brine shrimp nauplii.

Hardy. A constant temperature above 28°C and poor water quality weaken immunity. Fight injuries and hole-in-the-head disease (HLLE) are the main problems.

The male grows larger, his forehead hump becomes prominent, and his dorsal and anal fins are longer and more pointed. The female is smaller and rounder. A reliable distinction is made by the papilla.