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Striped-cheek eartheater (Geophagus taeniopareius) — Cichlidae

Striped-cheek eartheater

Geophagus taeniopareius
Family: Cichlidae

The Striped-cheek eartheater (Geophagus taeniopareius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela

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Description

The Striped-cheek eartheater is an eartheater (Cichlidae) from clear and blackwater rivers of the Orinoco basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, yellow-brown body with glittering rows of spots and often a dark flank spot. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, worms and organic matter. It is a mouthbrooder that protects the young in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped-cheek eartheater?

The Striped-cheek eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Striped-cheek eartheater live?

The Striped-cheek eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Striped-cheek eartheater get?

The Striped-cheek eartheater grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Striped-cheek eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped-cheek 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Striped-cheek eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Geophagus taeniopareius
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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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