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Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) — Cichlidae

Redhump eartheater

Geophagus steindachneri
Family: Cichlidae

The Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The redhump eartheater is a cichlid from fresh water of the Magdalena and Maracaibo drainages in Colombia and Venezuela. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, greyish body with glittering spots; adult males develop a conspicuous red, fleshy hump on the forehead. As a bottom-dweller it sifts mouthfuls of sand, filtering out small invertebrates and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redhump eartheater?

The Redhump eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Redhump eartheater live?

The Redhump eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Redhump eartheater get?

The Redhump eartheater grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Redhump eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Redhump eartheater is harmless to humans.

Is the Redhump eartheater edible?

Yes, the Redhump eartheater is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodkop-aardeter sourced
English name
Redhump eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Geophagus steindachneri
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Redhump geophagus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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