Stripetail Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus Winemilleri)

The Stripetail Eartheater Cichlid is a beautiful South American cichlid admired for its elegant body pattern, distinctive striped tail, and fascinating sand-sifting behavior. Like other Geophagus species, it feeds by taking mouthfuls of substrate and filtering out edible particles, making a fine sandy substrate essential. Despite its impressive size, this species is generally peaceful and thrives in spacious aquariums with other large, non-aggressive fish. Its graceful appearance and natural behavior make it a spectacular centerpiece for South American biotope and community aquariums.

What We Like About This Fish
Beautiful striped tail and iridescent body coloration
Fascinating natural sand-sifting (“earth-eating”) behavior
Peaceful temperament for a large cichlid
Excellent centerpiece fish for large aquariums
Compatible with many peaceful South American species
Recommended Tank Parameters
Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons (475 liters)
Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
KH: 2–10 dKH
Water Flow: Moderate with excellent filtration

A fine sand substrate, driftwood, smooth rocks, and open swimming areas are essential to encourage natural feeding behavior and maintain healthy gills.

Care Guidelines

Diet:
Omnivorous. Feed high-quality cichlid pellets, sinking foods, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and occasional vegetable-based foods.

Social Behavior:
Peaceful and social. Best kept in groups of 5 or more or with other peaceful medium to large South American fish. May become territorial during breeding.

Origin:
South America (Orinoco River Basin – Venezuela and Colombia)

Average Adult Size:
20–25 cm (8–10 inches)

Average Purchase Size:
5–8 cm (2–3 inches)

Shrimp Safe:
No. Will prey on dwarf shrimp and other small invertebrates.