{"product_id":"large-heckelii-geophagus-6","title":"LARGE Heckelii Geophagus (5.5-6”)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"209\" data-start=\"182\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"209\" data-start=\"189\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"656\" data-start=\"211\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"256\" data-start=\"211\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"256\" data-start=\"213\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"233\" data-start=\"213\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-end=\"254\" data-start=\"234\"\u003eGeophagus heckelii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"344\" data-start=\"257\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"344\" data-start=\"259\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"276\" data-start=\"259\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heckelii Geophagus, Threadfin Eartheater, Red Shoulder Eartheater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"395\" data-start=\"345\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"395\" data-start=\"347\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"358\" data-start=\"347\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlidae (subfamily: Geophaginae)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"526\" data-start=\"396\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"526\" data-start=\"398\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"409\" data-start=\"398\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Northern South America — primarily \u003cstrong data-end=\"474\" data-start=\"445\"\u003eAmazon and Orinoco basins\u003c\/strong\u003e, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"610\" data-start=\"527\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"610\" data-start=\"529\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"545\" data-start=\"529\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful to moderately territorial, especially during breeding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"656\" data-start=\"611\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"656\" data-start=\"613\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"626\" data-start=\"613\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"958\" data-start=\"940\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"958\" data-start=\"947\"\u003eHabitat\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1366\" data-start=\"960\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1184\" data-start=\"960\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1184\" data-start=\"962\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"986\" data-start=\"962\"\u003eNatural Environment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"989\" data-start=\"986\"\u003eInhabits \u003cstrong data-end=\"1037\" data-start=\"1000\"\u003eslow to moderately flowing rivers\u003c\/strong\u003e, flooded forest regions, and sandy-bottomed tributaries with leaf litter and detritus. The water is typically \u003cstrong data-end=\"1183\" data-start=\"1148\"\u003ewarm, soft, and slightly acidic\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1366\" data-start=\"1186\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1211\" data-start=\"1188\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1209\" data-start=\"1188\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1366\" data-start=\"1214\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1252\" data-start=\"1214\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1252\" data-start=\"1216\"\u003eTemperature: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1250\" data-start=\"1229\"\u003e76–84°F (24–29°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1274\" data-start=\"1255\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1274\" data-start=\"1257\"\u003epH: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1272\" data-start=\"1261\"\u003e6.0–7.2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1303\" data-start=\"1277\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1303\" data-start=\"1279\"\u003eHardness: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1289\"\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1366\" data-start=\"1306\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1366\" data-start=\"1308\"\u003eRequires well-oxygenated, clean water with minimal current\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1389\" data-start=\"1373\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1389\" data-start=\"1381\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1391\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1570\" data-start=\"1391\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1494\" data-start=\"1393\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1425\" data-start=\"1393\"\u003eOmnivorous substrate-sifter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1428\" data-start=\"1425\"\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1443\"\u003eG. heckelii\u003c\/em\u003e filters mouthfuls of sand to consume:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1570\" data-start=\"1497\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"1497\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"1499\"\u003eInvertebrates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1534\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1534\" data-start=\"1517\"\u003eSmall crustaceans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1553\" data-start=\"1537\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1553\" data-start=\"1539\"\u003eOrganic debris\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1570\" data-start=\"1556\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1570\" data-start=\"1558\"\u003ePlant matter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1572\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1593\" data-start=\"1574\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1591\" data-start=\"1574\"\u003eIn Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1596\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1668\" data-start=\"1596\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1668\" data-start=\"1598\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1630\" data-start=\"1598\"\u003eHigh-quality sinking pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e (e.g., cichlid or omnivore formula)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1730\" data-start=\"1671\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1730\" data-start=\"1673\"\u003eFrozen\/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1786\" data-start=\"1733\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1786\" data-start=\"1735\"\u003eOccasional blanched vegetables: spinach, zucchini\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1789\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1791\"\u003eAlgae wafers or spirulina-based foods for fiber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1840\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1842\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1851\" data-start=\"1842\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed a \u003cstrong data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1859\"\u003evaried diet\u003c\/strong\u003e to enhance coloration and maintain overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1955\" data-start=\"1932\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1955\" data-start=\"1939\"\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"1957\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2102\" data-start=\"1957\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1976\" data-start=\"1959\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1974\" data-start=\"1959\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2102\" data-start=\"1979\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2019\" data-start=\"1979\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2019\" data-start=\"1981\"\u003eTypically \u003cstrong data-end=\"2017\" data-start=\"1991\"\u003e8–10 inches (20–25 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2102\" data-start=\"2022\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2102\" data-start=\"2024\"\u003eMales may reach the higher end of this range and display longer fin extensions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"2104\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"2106\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2122\" data-start=\"2106\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2125\" data-start=\"2122\"\u003eModerate; can grow quickly when young with consistent feeding and water quality\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2249\" data-start=\"2213\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2249\" data-start=\"2220\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2251\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2416\" data-start=\"2251\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2277\" data-start=\"2253\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2275\" data-start=\"2253\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2416\" data-start=\"2280\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2338\" data-start=\"2280\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2338\" data-start=\"2282\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"2282\"\u003e75 gallons (284 liters)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single adult or pair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2416\" data-start=\"2341\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2416\" data-start=\"2343\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2373\" data-start=\"2343\"\u003e120+ gallons (450+ liters)\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended for groups or community setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2418\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2437\" data-start=\"2420\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2435\" data-start=\"2420\"\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2440\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2513\" data-start=\"2440\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2513\" data-start=\"2442\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2456\" data-start=\"2442\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine \u003cstrong data-end=\"2470\" data-start=\"2462\"\u003esand\u003c\/strong\u003e — essential for natural sifting behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2685\" data-start=\"2516\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2530\" data-start=\"2518\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2518\"\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2685\" data-start=\"2535\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2579\" data-start=\"2535\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2579\" data-start=\"2537\"\u003eDriftwood, smooth rocks, root structures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2627\" data-start=\"2584\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2627\" data-start=\"2586\"\u003eUse decorations to break lines of sight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2685\" data-start=\"2632\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2685\" data-start=\"2634\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2657\" data-start=\"2634\"\u003eAvoid sharp objects\u003c\/strong\u003e that may damage long fins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2810\" data-start=\"2688\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2810\" data-start=\"2690\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2701\" data-start=\"2690\"\u003ePlants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be kept with hardy rooted or floating plants (e.g., Anubias, Java fern), though some digging may occur\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2885\" data-start=\"2813\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2885\" data-start=\"2815\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2830\" data-start=\"2815\"\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong biological filtration + regular water changes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2888\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2890\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2905\" data-start=\"2890\"\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle to moderate; prefers calm zones for resting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2984\" data-start=\"2963\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2984\" data-start=\"2970\"\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3428\" data-start=\"2986\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3279\" data-start=\"2986\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3109\" data-start=\"2988\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3024\" data-start=\"2988\"\u003eGenerally Peaceful with Caution:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3027\" data-start=\"3024\"\u003eCan be kept with other South American cichlids and peaceful large fish, such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3279\" data-start=\"3112\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3140\" data-start=\"3112\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3140\" data-start=\"3114\"\u003eSeverums, Uaru, other types of Geophagus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3173\" data-start=\"3143\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3173\" data-start=\"3145\"\u003eAngelfish \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3221\" data-start=\"3176\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3221\" data-start=\"3178\"\u003eSilver dollars, Congo tetras, Rainbowfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3279\" data-start=\"3224\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3279\" data-start=\"3226\"\u003eBottom dwellers such as Corydoras, Synodontis, or plecos\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3428\" data-start=\"3281\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3295\" data-start=\"3283\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3293\" data-start=\"3283\"\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3428\" data-start=\"3298\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3362\" data-start=\"3298\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3362\" data-start=\"3300\"\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids (e.g., Green Terrors, Red Devils)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3404\" data-start=\"3365\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3404\" data-start=\"3367\"\u003eSmall fish that may be seen as food\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3428\" data-start=\"3407\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3428\" data-start=\"3409\"\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-end=\"3570\" data-start=\"3430\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3570\" data-start=\"3432\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3462\" data-start=\"3432\"\u003eBest kept in groups of 5–6\u003c\/strong\u003e to reduce aggression and promote natural schooling behavior — though they may form pairs in smaller setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3610\" data-start=\"3577\"\u003e Notes on Behavior and Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"4013\" data-start=\"3612\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3681\" data-start=\"3612\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3681\" data-start=\"3614\"\u003eKnown for \u003cstrong data-end=\"3645\" data-start=\"3624\"\u003egraceful swimming\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-end=\"3679\" data-start=\"3650\"\u003esubtle dominance displays\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3751\" data-start=\"3682\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3751\" data-start=\"3684\"\u003eCan be \u003cstrong data-end=\"3722\" data-start=\"3691\"\u003eterritorial during breeding\u003c\/strong\u003e, but not overly aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3842\" data-start=\"3752\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3842\" data-start=\"3754\"\u003eDigging is part of their feeding and nesting behavior — secure decor and use fine sand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3911\" data-start=\"3843\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3911\" data-start=\"3845\"\u003eWater quality is crucial — they are sensitive to nitrate buildup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4013\" data-start=\"3912\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4013\" data-start=\"3914\"\u003eWill readily spawn in captivity with the right conditions (soft, warm water and a spawning surface)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Global Fish Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52861619568959,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0050\/0455\/8407\/files\/BAE27CCB-17EE-41A2-850D-FFD8D310E137.jpg?v=1777215707","url":"https:\/\/globalfishco.com\/products\/large-heckelii-geophagus-6","provider":"Global Fish Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}