multiple types of geophagus in one set up

[k3vinjam3s]

Hi, new to this forum but not fishkeeping.

After moving on my discus at the weekend my tank is looking seriously dull. It's a 5 x 2 x 2 foot 500 litre aquarium and I already have 3 geophagus tapajos and 1 unknown geo. I'd like to keep a few different types, I'll stick with the smaller eartheaters so how many and which types will go well. I currently have a few l-numbers and about 20 corydoras sterbai. I'm not too fussed on keeping it region specific so any suggestions welcomed.

 

[Mythic Figment]

Geos tend to do best in groups, even when adults. IMO and IME, most earth eaters become dull both literally and behaviorally when kept alone. Mated pairs are possible, but they take up more space than a group of 4-5 would. It is my opinion that larger tanks are best used to house small numbers of a few larger species or large numbers of a few smaller species. Either way, it's best to have just a few different species than to have a large collection of solitary species, especially when it comes to earth eaters.


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[ryansmith83]

I kept Geophagus sp. Red Head Tapajos and Geophagus parnaibae together in my 6 x 1.5 x 2.5 foot tank, along with some severums and acaras. I had four of each which is the minimum group size I usually keep geos in. Preferably it'd be six. Both of those species are on the smaller (and more peaceful) side for geos, and that's most likely what you'd want to go for if you plan to mix species in your tank size.

I also had a 6 x 2 x 2.5 foot tank which contained six G. brachybranchus and three G. winemilleri. They all seemed to do well together. I've never tried more than two types, mainly because I don't feel I have the room for 12+ geos even in those size tanks, given the eventual size of some of the larger species.

 

[Quo Vadis]

They can do fine together, as long as they are properly matched in terms of aggression, but as suggested, I'd make sure you still have a minimum number of 4 per species.

 

[Quo Vadis]

And maybe try some earth eaters that are a bit different from one another and the Redheads, like the 'Geophagus', Satanaperca, Biotidoma, or Guinacara clades.

 

[neutrino]

Pindare are another smaller and similar temperament geophagus.

IME some adult geos, including altifrons/suriname/tapajos and similar are perfectly content as pairs and no longer need a group. Preferable to grow them out in groups but once they pair off keeping them in a group is optional, similar to a number of cichlid species, including discus. Doesn't apply to all geos, steindachneri, for example, should have multiple females per male.

Another geo on the smaller end are taenioparius, nice looking fish, a bit more aggressive from what I hear (haven't personally kept them), so I don't know how they'd do with red heads in that size tank. There are other taenioparius-like species, having a similar stripe through the eye, argyrostictus, and another that I can't recall the name.