Eartheaters

Eartheaters are a group of fish belonging to the genus Geophagus. The name "Geophagus" is derived from Greek words meaning "earth eater," reflecting their characteristic feeding behavior. These fish are native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. They are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique foraging habits and often vibrant colors.

The defining trait of eartheaters is their method of finding food. They sift through substrate, typically sand, in search of small invertebrates, insect larvae, and organic matter. They take mouthfuls of substrate, process it through their gills to extract edible particles, and then expel the remaining sand. This process helps to aerate and clean the substrate in their natural environment.

Eartheaters are generally peaceful, schooling fish that require spacious aquariums with soft, sandy substrate. They thrive in warm, soft, and acidic to neutral water conditions. Their diet in captivity should be varied, including high-quality flake and pellet foods, as well as live or frozen foods. Different species within the Geophagus genus can vary in size, coloration, and specific care requirements, so research into individual species is recommended before keeping them.