Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – cichlid pellets, frozen Daphnia, worms, sand-sifted invertebrates
Aquarium species profile
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Gymnogeophagus balzanii · South America (Paraná basin — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size8"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature68–79°F
pH range6.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Large tetras, robust community fish, Corydoras
Tank mates to avoid
Very aggressive cichlids
Care notes
Cool-water earth-eater from subtropical South America. Tolerates temperatures as low as 60°F in winter. Males develop a nuchal hump. Mouthbrooder. Prefers fine sand substrate. Unusual cooler-temp cichlid.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.