Yellow Hump Eartheater

Geophagus pellegrini is an eartheater from northwestern Colombia, from the same group as the red hump eartheater (G. steindachneri). Mature males develop a golden-yellow hump on the forehead; the body is olive–bronze with blue–green reflections. Females are smaller and plainer. The female takes the eggs into her mouth immediately and carries out the brooding on her own; the male does not care for the fry.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm of length for one male and 2–3 females.
• Fine sand substrate; it constantly sifts the sand.
• Areas that break lines of sight with rocks and roots; places where females can get away from the male.
• Moderately hard water around neutral; change 30% weekly.

Omnivorous. Make small sinking granules and tablets the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis. A brooding female does not eat for several weeks; she should be well fed beforehand.

Males are aggressive toward each other; toward other species they are usually restrained.

Good companions: medium-sized tetras and barbs, corydoras, Ancistrus, festivum, mild cichlids.

Avoid: a second male in the same aquarium (in a small tank), large aggressive cichlids, small shrimp.