Introduction: A beautiful
species found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. A variable species with many
geographical variants, but generally sports irridescent golds, reds, blues,
and greens.
Scientific Name: Gymnogeophagus
gymnogenys
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". "gymnogenys" originates from Greek words "gumnos"
and "genus" which mean naked, and genus in reference to the characteristic lack
of scales on the pre-dorsal midline and cheek regions of the genus this species
belongs to.
Distribution: Endemic
to Southern Brazil, and is also found in Uruguay.
Physical Description: A
somewhat more elongate species, exhibiting a slight nuchal hump in large males.
Colors are typically irridescent golds, reds, blues, and greens but this may
vary depending on collection location. Two dark stripes can be seen in the head
region, the first extending from the mid-forehead through the eye, but does
not extend to the underside of the fish. The other is present just in front
of the first dorsal ray and extends down past the upper lateral line, to the
approximate mid line of the fish.
Size: 150 mm.
Water Parameters: pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: Low-Moderate
Temperature: 70-74 Degrees. This species will require a wintering period.
Recommended Tank Size: A
40 gallon should be sufficient for a pair of these fish.
Breeding: G. gymnogenys
is a delayed maternal mouthbrooder. The pair will collectively prepared a substrate,
where the female will lay her eggs, sometimes numbering into the hundreds. The
pair will continue to guard the eggs and territory. Once the eggs begin to hatch,
the female will take the larvae into her buchal pouch and continue to brood
them for several weeks.
