Geophagus Caqueta, also known as the Caqueta Eartheater, is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the cichlid family. Here are some key details about this species:
### Habitat and Distribution:
- **Native Region**: Geophagus Caqueta is native to the Caquetá River basin in Colombia, South America.
- **Environment**: They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy or muddy substrates, often found in areas with submerged vegetation and leaf litter.
### Physical Characteristics:
- **Size**: These fish typically grow to around 4-6 inches in length, though they can reach up to 8 inches in optimal conditions.
- **Coloration**: They exhibit beautiful colors with a combination of blue, green, and red hues. Their bodies are adorned with iridescent scales, and they often have distinctive spots or stripes.
- **Body Shape**: Like other Geophagus species, they have a slightly elongated body and a pronounced nuchal hump on males, especially during breeding.
### Behavior and Diet:
- **Feeding Habits**: They are omnivorous and have a unique feeding behavior, sifting through the substrate to find food. Their diet includes small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus.
- **Temperament**: Generally peaceful, they do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. However, they can be territorial during breeding.
- **Social Behavior**: They are social fish and prefer to be kept in groups of six or more to exhibit natural behaviors.
### Aquarium Care:
- **Tank Size**: A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended for a small group.
- **Water Parameters**: They prefer soft to moderately hard water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
- **Aquascaping**: A tank setup with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, rocks, and plants, is ideal. A sandy substrate is recommended to accommodate their sifting behavior.
### Breeding:
- **Breeding Behavior**: Geophagus Caqueta is a biparental mouthbrooder, meaning both parents take turns holding and protecting the eggs and fry in their mouths.
- **Spawning**: They typically spawn on flat surfaces, and the parents are very protective of their young during the brooding period.
Geophagus Caqueta makes a fascinating and beautiful addition to a well-maintained aquarium, offering unique behaviors and stunning visual appeal.
