Paraguay Eartheater
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Cichlidae
About
The Paraguay eartheater is a subtropical South American cichlid from the Paraguay and Paraná river drainages, where mature males develop a striking bulbous head hump that gives it the nickname balloon eartheater. Unlike most tropical cichlids it prefers distinctly cooler water and benefits from a cool winter rest, spending its days sifting fine sand for food with a calm, deliberate temperament.
Care
Keep over fine sand in a spacious 250 L+ tank, ideally as one male with several females. Provide cooler water than typical tropicals (around 21-24 C) with a seasonal winter cooling period; males are quarrelsome with rivals but peaceful toward tankmates.
Diet
Sand-sifting omnivore that filters substrate for micro-invertebrates and detritus; feed sinking granules and frozen foods with some vegetable matter, and always supply fine sand for natural feeding.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (18)
Possible with care (221)
Avoid (32)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Paraguay Eartheater need?
- A Paraguay Eartheater needs an aquarium of at least 250 litres (66 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Paraguay Eartheater need?
- Paraguay Eartheater does best at 15–27 °C (59–80.6 °F), pH 6–8 and a general hardness of 4–18 °dGH.
- What group size does a Paraguay Eartheater need?
- Paraguay Eartheater is a social species — keep a group of at least 5 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Paraguay Eartheater suitable for beginners?
- Paraguay Eartheater sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.