Home Species Pages Scientific Papers Articles Photos Dichotomous Key Store About the GSG Links/Sponsors	Gymnogeophagus balzanii Introduction: Described as Geophagus balzanii by Perugia in 1891. This species went through a number of revisions before being placed in the Gymnogeophagus genus in 1918 by Miranda Ribeiro. G. balzanii is a high bodied Gymnogeophagine, with males developing a large prominent nuchal hump. Scientific Name: Gymnogeophagus balzanii Etymology: "Gymno" is the Greek word for "naked", referring to the lack of scales in the head region. Geophagus is derived from the Greek word "Gea" meaning "Earth", and the Greek word "Phagein" meaning "to eat". Synonyms: Geophagus balzanii Perugia (Senior), Geophagus duodecimspinosus Boulenger (Junior), Gymnogeophagus cyanopterus Ribeiro (Junior). Distribution: G. balzanii possess the largest distribution among the Gymnogeophagines. Endemic to Uruguay, Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, and Paraguay. Physical Description: The body of this species is slightly atypical for Gymnogeophagines, being fairly high, with a very prominent nuchal hump in males. More than 12 dark vertical bars can be observed in some specimens, while not at all in others, likely due to collection point. Yellow or gold coloration can be seen in the throat, and pectoral fin areas. Directly behind the operculum often an area containing iridophores. A large dark spot can be observed slightly below the upper lateral line, in approximately the mid-dorsal area. Size: 170 mm. Water Parameters: pH: 6.5-7.5 Hardness: Low-Moderate Temperature: 70-78 Degrees. This species will require a wintering period. Recommended Tank Size: A 55 gallon would be ideal for a pair of these fish. Breeding: This species is a delayed mouthbrooder, similar to many other species within this genus. The pair will begin by choosing and cleaning a spawning site, the female will deposit her eggs, and continue to guard them while the male guards the territory. Once the eggs begin to hatch, the female will begin to take the larvae (wrigglers) into her mouth where she will continue to brood them for around 10 days, depending on temperature, before releasing the free swimming fry. She will continue to care for fry for several weeks afterwards. Photos: Click Here Meristic and Morphological Data: Morphological Feature Counts/Measures Dorsal Fin XII - XIV + 12 - 15 Anal Fin III - IV + 7 - 10 Scales Longitudinal Series 26 - 27 Scales Upper Lateral Line 16 - 21 Scales Lower Lateral Line 7 - 11 Scales Dorsal Fin Origin to Lateral Line 5 - 6 Scales Anal Fin Origin to Lateral Line 8 - 10 Standard Length (Reis & Malabarba) 28 - 126 mm Body Depth 1.8 - 2.4 Head Length 2.6 - 3.1 Head Depth 0.7 - 1.0 Head Width 1.6 - 2.0 Eye Diameter 2.4 - 4.4 Interorbital Width 2.1 - 3.7 Post-Orbital Width 2.6 - 3.9 Pre-Orbital Width 2.1 - 4.4 Snout Length 2.1 - 3.9 Caudal Penduncle Length 0.4 - 0.9 Reference: Roberto E. Reis and Luiz R. Malabarba (1988): Revision of the neotropical cichlid genus Gymnogeophagus Ribeiro, 1918, with descriptions of two new species (Pisces, Perciformes); Revista Brasileira de Zoologia; pg 259-305. Original Description: "Appunti sopra alcuni pesci sud-americani conservati nel Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova." A. Perugia Abstract: N/A	Latest GSG News:Jan. 11, 2011 - The GSG now has a page on Facebook. Press 'like' below! Jan. 11, 2011 - Want to recieve our newsletter? Email me: Mack@gymnogeophagus.com