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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
Range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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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. South America: Colombia, Venezuela

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. 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.

Is the Redhump eartheater edible?

Yes, the Redhump eartheater is commonly eaten.

More photos

Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) gerryh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Хомелка (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Redhump eartheater (Geophagus steindachneri) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Morgana h (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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All data

Identification

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

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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