Xingu Blue Streak Eartheater

A distinctive and colorful cichlid, the Xingu Blue Streak Eartheater or Geophagus argyrostictus is known only from the Rio Xingu and its tributaries in Brazil. In the wild, it inhabits very warm, clear waters in areas with powerful current, usually in relatively shallow water above sandy substrate. Like most fish from the fast-moving Xingu it is a powerful swimmer and will do best when provided plenty of current in the aquarium. Named for the distinctive blue facial markings, this species is more aggressive and territorial than some eartheaters but will generally do well with similar sized tankmates as long as plenty of open swimming space and cover is provided. Like all eartheaters, a substrate of fine sand is essential for their well-being in the aquarium and they will spend most of their time sifting it through their specialized gills to pick out small food particles.