Home Species Pages Scientific Papers Articles Photos Dichotomous Key Store About the GSG Links/Sponsors	Gymnogeophagus meridionalis Introduction: N/A Scientific Name: Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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". Meridionalis is Latin for southern, relating to the southern distribution of this species. Synonyms: N/A Distribution: Found in Uruguay, and in southern Brazil. Physical Description: N/A Size: 88 mm. Water Parameters: N/A Recommended Tank Size: A tank of 30 gallons is sufficient for a pair of this species. Breeding: This species, like others of the Rhabdotus group, is a substrate spawner. For breeding purposes, use methods for typical substrate spawners. Meristic and Morphological Data: Morphological Feature Counts/Measures Dorsal Fin XIII - XIV + 9- 11 Anal Fin III + 7 - 10 Scales Longitudinal Series 23 - 25 Scales Upper Lateral Line 12 - 19 Scales Lower Lateral Line 4 - 10 Scales Dorsal Fin Origin to Lateral Line 4 - 5 Scales Anal Fin Origin to Lateral Line 8 - 9 Standard Length (Reis & Malabarba) 39.2 - 88mm Body Depth 1.9 - 2.8 Head Length 2.6 - 2.9 Head Depth 0.9 - 1.1 Head Width 1.7 - 2.0 Eye Diameter 3.1 - 3.8 Interorbital Width 2.4 - 3.5 Post-Orbital Width 2.6 - 3.7 Pre-Orbital Width 3.0 - 4.5 Snout Length 2.5 - 3.3 Caudal Penduncle Length 0.6 - 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: "Revision of the neotropical cichlid genus Gymnogeophagus Ribeiro, 1918, with descriptions of two new species (Pisces, Perciformes)" Roberto E. Reis and Luiz R. Malabarba	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