Gymnogeophagus australis

Scientific name Gymnogeophagus australis
Descriptor Eigenmann
Year of description 1907
IUCN category LC
Family Cichlidae
Genus Gymnogeophagus
Gymnogeophagus australis Gymnogeophagus australis

Introduction

Gymnogeophagus australis is a fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year

How to recognize Gymnogeophagus australis ?

Gymnogeophagus australis measures around 14 cm. The dominant males can however reach 16 cm.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

This species tends to be easily stressed: this uneasiness is characterized by the appearance of marked black bars on its whole body.

Gymnogeophagus australis is a fish living as a couple or in a group naturally found near the bottom. This species is omnivorous . Naturally, it tends to dig into the sand and transform its environment.

Although slightly territorial, Gymnogeophagus australis is a rather peaceful animal that generally behaves in a peaceful manner with other species. It should be noted that it is sometimes less tolerant with its conspecifics. Parades or even small jousts may occur between different members of the group until a hierarchy is established.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert

Gymnogeophagus australis is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    15 - 26 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    6.5 - 7.5
  • gh (hardness)
    5 - 15
  • Flow
    Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    400 liters
  • Population min
    5
  • Temperature
    15 - 26 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    6.5 - 7.5

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    easy
  • Robustness
    robust
  • Behaviour
    peaceful
  • Availability
    occasional

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 400 liters.

Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let Gymnogeophagus australis cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.

Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.

Gymnogeophagus australis is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.

The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.

The species enjoys a particularly vegetation-rich environment. The addition of plants will provide many useful hiding places for resting. These areas are also conducive to possible breeding in the aquarium.

Tips for feeding

Gymnogeophagus australis is omnivorous.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    easy
  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered easy. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 24 ° C for a pH of 7 .

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

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To go further

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To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Robert Allgayer

Robert Allgayer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

In collaboration with : Fédération Française Aquariophilie

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Species of the same family

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Species of the same biotope

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