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Cichliformes (Cichlids, convict blennies) >
Cichlidae (Cichlids) > Geophaginae
Etymology: Geophagus: Greek, gea = the earth + Greek, phagein = to eat (Ref. 45335).
More on authors: Kullander & Royero.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: ? - 7.4. Tropical; 25°C - 30°C (Ref. 13614)
South America: Orinoco River basin, in the lower Caura River and along the middle and upper Orinoco River basin.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 14.3 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 36377)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Can be distinguished from all other species in the genus except G. grammepareius by retaining a dark stripe from the eye to the corner of the preopercle as adult. Differs from G. grammepareius by (1) a scaly sheath extending almost the entire length of the dorsal fin base, (2) few and indistinct light spots on the caudal fin, (3) faint , horizontal stripes along the side, (4) narrower lips, (5) microbranchio-spines externally on second to fourth gill arches, and (6) higher meristics: modally D. XVII. 11 instead of XVI.ll, E1 row scales 32 instead of 30 I , and vertebrae modally 14+ 18 instead of I 14+17 (Ref. 57764).
Inhabits rivers (Ref. 12251).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Kullander, S.O., 2003. Cichlidae (Cichlids). p. 605-654. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil. (Ref. 36377)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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