Geayi Cichlid

Guianacara geayi is a moderately robust cichlid belonging to the eartheater tribe (Geophagini), native to the tepui-influenced river drainages of the Guiana Highlands across Venezuela and Guyana. Both sexes develop a bold, dark lateral stripe running from eye to caudal base, and large males develop a modest nuchal hump at maturity. The species inhabits clear, moderately fast-flowing, sandy-bottomed streams and river margins. Unlike many eartheaters it tends toward biparental cave-spawning behaviour rather than mouthbrooding. It is an active digger and will rearrange substrate freely, making delicate rooted plants impractical. Provide rocky structure or driftwood caves alongside open sand for foraging. Moderate water hardness and a wide temperature range are tolerated.

Water: Soft to moderately hard; pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28 °C. Tank: 150 L+; rocks, caves, open sand, robust décor. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, artemia, occasional live foods. Breeding: Cave spawner; biparental; bonded pairs defend spawning site. Compatibility: Moderate; keep with similar-sized robust species; avoid fin-nippers.