TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes  (Perch-likes)
Family: Cichlidae  (Cichlids)Genus/species: Geophagus altifrons

Earth eating cichlid 2975336785_c7f6e17516_o

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Protruding mouth. Head has red weblike markings. Spiky fins.

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: South America: Amazon basin in freshwater rivers.

DIET IN THE WILD: Common name derived from this fish’s almost constant digging in the sand for prey.

REPRODUCTION: Fish in this genus are mouth brooders. The parents take turns brooding and spit the fry into the partner’s mouth when their shift is over.

CONSERVATION: Not evaluated.

REMARKS: Genus name translates as “eartheater.” This common name applies to many species. A small, but popular food fish.

Flooded Amazon

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