American Cichlid Geo – Green Horseface Eartheater ” jurapari ” – 8cm

Green Horseface Eartheater (Geophagus jurapari) – A Unique Sand-Sifting Beauty for Community Tanks

The Green Horseface Eartheater (Geophagus jurapari) is a captivating South American cichlid prized for its peaceful temperament and fascinating behaviour. Named for its sand-sifting feeding habits and elongated snout, the Green Horseface Eartheater boasts shimmering green, gold, and bronze hues. This intelligent and interactive species is ideal for aquarists looking to add a unique yet compatible centrepiece to their aquarium.

Size and Lifespan of Green Horseface Eartheater

The Green Horseface Eartheater can grow up to 20–25 cm in length. With excellent care and water conditions, they can live for 8 to 10 years. To ensure longevity, provide a stress-free environment, maintain water parameters, and offer a nutritious, varied diet.

Ideal Tank Setup for Green Horseface Eartheater

A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended for a Green Horseface Eartheater. They prefer fine sand substrates, which allow them to exhibit natural sifting behaviour. Add driftwood, smooth rocks, and hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern. Moderate filtration with gentle flow is ideal. Maintain water temperatures between 24–28°C and a pH range of 6.0–7.5.

Compatible Tank Mates for Green Horseface Eartheater

The Green Horseface Eartheater is surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid. Ideal tank mates include larger tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful catfish like Corydoras and Plecos, and other similarly tempered South American cichlids. Avoid aggressive or highly territorial fish, and ensure all companions can tolerate similar water conditions.

Feeding and Nutrition for Green Horseface Eartheater

Green Horseface Eartheaters are omnivorous sand sifters. Feed them high-quality sinking pellets or wafers, along with frozen or live foods like bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp. Occasionally offer vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini. Feed 1–2 times daily and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Breeding and Behaviour of Green Horseface Eartheater

Breeding Green Horseface Eartheaters can be challenging but rewarding. They are biparental mouthbrooders, with one or both parents protecting the fry in their mouths. To trigger spawning, ensure pristine water and a calm environment. Males display brighter colours during courtship. Outside of breeding, they are active and curious, often seen gently shifting sand in search of food.

Green Horseface Eartheater – Species Overview

• Species: Geophagus jurapari
• Common Name: Green Horseface Eartheater
• Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Maximum Size: 25 cm
• Minimum Tank Size: 200 L

FAQs about Green Horseface Eartheater

How big does a Green Horseface Eartheater get?
They can reach up to 25 cm in length when fully grown.

Are Green Horseface Eartheaters aggressive?
No, they are generally peaceful and suitable for community setups.

Why do Green Horseface Eartheaters sift sand?
It’s their natural feeding behaviour—they sift through sand to find food particles.

Can I keep plants with Green Horseface Eartheaters?
Yes, but choose hardy, anchored plants like Java Fern and Anubias.

Do Green Horseface Eartheaters eat fry or small fish?
They might eat very small fish or fry, so choose tank mates accordingly.

Add a Green Horseface Eartheater to Your Aquarium Today!

The Green Horseface Eartheater brings personality, beauty, and fascinating behaviour to any freshwater aquarium. Discover the joy of keeping this peaceful sand-sifting cichlid in your community tank.