{"product_id":"balzani-eartheater-gymnogeophagus-balzanii","title":"Balzani Eartheater (Gymnogeophagus balzanii)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeophagus balzani\u003c\/strong\u003e (currently classified as \u003cstrong\u003eGymnogeophagus balzanii\u003c\/strong\u003e) is a South American eartheater cichlid known for its peaceful temperament and the large nuchal hump that mature males develop. It originates from the Paraguay and Paraná river systems in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGymnogeophagus balzanii\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balzani Eartheater, Paraguay Eartheater, Paraguay Mouthbrooder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males up to about 20 cm (8\"), females around 14-15 cm (5.5-6\") \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful, though males can be territorial toward other males. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 10 years with proper care. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons (208 L) minimum for adults, larger is better. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21-25°C (70-77°F); they tolerate cooler temperatures better than many tropical cichlids. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5-7.5 \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine sand substrate is strongly recommended because they constantly sift sand through their gills while feeding. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse driftwood, rocks, and open areas for foraging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust plants can work, but expect some digging and rearranging. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are omnivores with a carnivorous tendency and readily accept:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality cichlid pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsect larvae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther meaty foods in moderation \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful Geophagus species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoricariid catfish (plecos) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is a \u003cstrong\u003ematernal mouthbrooder\u003c\/strong\u003e. The female lays eggs on a cleaned surface, and after fertilization she collects the larvae into her mouth, protecting them until they are free-swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Danshuiyu Indonesia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54115792617790,"sku":"24746531017790","price":59.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/5104\/3390\/files\/placeholder_205a001e-62f1-4084-a099-9d852886248d.png?v=1786740743","url":"https:\/\/yourlocalfishstore.com\/products\/balzani-eartheater-gymnogeophagus-balzanii","provider":"Your Local Fish Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}