Balzani Eartheater

The Balzani Eartheater (Gymnogeophagus balzanii) is unique to the Rio Parana basin in Brazil and is typically found in slow-moving water. For housing this fish, a sandy substrate is recommended as it encourages their natural earth eating habits. Aquatic plants are not necessary because they are not a part of the species’ normal habitat, and the fish’s sand-sifting behavior is likely to uproot them. These fish are simple to feed and will take most frozen foods as well as granular or pellet foods. When housing multiple of these fish it is advised to only have one male per 2 to 6 females.