Geophagus Balzini Questions.

[Rachel.Cody]

So we got one yesterday for our Bichir tank and they've been doing good together so far. But the Geo will not stop (not attacking) but gently biting its reflection in the tank. Is there anything I can do? So far I only have the geo and two large bichirs. Is it lonely? And also is it a male or female? I'm thinking female.


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[duanes]

Looks like a female to me.
G balzani prefer less warm water than many tropicals (they are more of a sub-tropical fish) and I find they tend to have a heightened aggression when kept warm.(they also seem susceptible to fungal infections and other stress induced diseases if kept constantly warm)
I keep mine in unheated tanks (temps around 68-70), and as they are a social fish, find they do best in groups of 2-3 females to 1 male.
male

females

 

[Aquanero]

I have my male with 4 females also in an unheated tank (ambiant room temp all year) and they are susceptable to various maladys if stressed. This is not a good combination IMO.

 

[Rachel.Cody]

So being in my bichir tank is not a good idea. 80-82* lol


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[duanes]

They can handle your temps temporarily, but long term, not a good idea.
They come from southern Brazil and Uruguay, where waters are cooler than more northern parts of S America.
Mine are from Uruguay, so I give them a rather serious cool down, in an unheated kiddy pool on my basement floor. Temps are now in the low 60sF there.

 

[Rachel.Cody]

They can handle your temps temporarily, but long term, not a good idea.
They come from southern Brazil and Uruguay, where waters are cooler than more northern parts of S America.
Mine are from Uruguay, so I give them a rather serious cool down, in an unheated kiddy pool on my basement floor. Temps are now in the low 60sF there.

We do really like her so that sucks. Looks nice in our bichir tank with the yellows are pearl spots coming in. But I may have a 30 gallon that I'll be re doing soon. I might just use that for her and find some other fish that do well in that temp range.


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[Uaru]

They can handle your temps temporarily, but long term, not a good idea.
They come from southern Brazil and Uruguay, where waters are cooler than more northern parts of S America.
Mine are from Uruguay, so I give them a rather serious cool down, in an unheated kiddy pool on my basement floor. Temps are now in the low 60sF there.

Duanes, what kind of kiddie pool do you use? I like the idea, but was always worried about the plastic leaching into the water.

 

[duanes]

I started with the 500 gal, rectangular Intex a couple seasons ago, overwintering water lilies, Koi and Uruguayan cichlids in the basement, and moved it upstairs this summer for my Madagascans. Same time picked up the 900+ Bestway pool this summer, that now hold the koi and Uruguayans.
Have not had a problem (as yet) with any plastic toxins
winter 2013


Bestway this winter


recent Intex pool shots, with Madagascan cichlids, in a bedroom room now that my son is off to college