{"product_id":"cheek-striped-eartheater-geophagus-taeniopareius","title":"Cheek Striped Eartheater (Geophagus taeniopareius)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Cheek Striped Eartheater is a striking South American cichlid known for its shimmering blue spotting, and orange base, but notable is the black veritical running down the face. Native to slow-moving rivers and sandy-bottom habitats in the Amazon basin, this species spends much of its time sifting through substrate in search of small foods—giving it the “eartheater” name.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite its intimidating scientific name,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is generally peaceful for its size and does well with other calm to moderately active South American fish. Its elegant swimming style and reflective coloration make it a standout centerpiece in large natural aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMax Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–10 inches in captivity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum: 75 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended: 125+ gallons for groups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnjoys quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, chopped shrimp, and other protein-rich foods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful to semi-aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest kept with similarly sized South American cichlids, plecos, and larger schooling fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 76–82°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH: 5.5–7.2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft to moderately hard water preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA soft sand substrate is highly recommended, as this species naturally sifts sand through its gills while feeding. Driftwood, leaf litter, smooth rocks, and subdued lighting help recreate its natural environment and bring out its best coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"3 - 3.5 inches","offer_id":46966981722308,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4.5 - 5 inches","offer_id":46966981755076,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/5286\/6500\/files\/images-_31.jpg?v=1791417737","url":"https:\/\/www.predatoryfins.com\/products\/cheek-striped-eartheater-geophagus-taeniopareius","provider":"Predatory Fins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}