SB Phoenix Eartheater—vibrant Geophagus cichlid with red-orange fins and sand-sifting behavior, ideal for peaceful large aquariums and stunning aquascapes.

📌 Detailed Product Description

• Species Overview & Visual Impact
  
• The SB Phoenix Eartheater (commonly referred to as Geophagus sp. “Phoenix” or “Red Phoenix”) is a highly sought-after South American cichlid, prized for its intense red-orange finnage and iridescent blue body markings.
• The name “Phoenix” reflects its fiery coloration, especially in mature males where fins glow with deep reds and oranges contrasted by metallic blue spotting.
• Unlike aggressive cichlids, this species offers a refined, elegant aesthetic, combining color, movement, and natural behavior.
• Its elongated body and flowing fins create a graceful, gliding motion that elevates any aquascape.
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• Behavior & Temperament
  
• Peaceful to semi-aggressive—one of the most community-friendly cichlids.
• Known for its signature sand-sifting behavior:
  
• Takes in mouthfuls of substrate
• Filters out food particles
• Expels sand through gills
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• Best kept in groups of 5–8 or more to display natural social behavior and reduce aggression.
• Generally non-territorial except during breeding.
• Key Insight:
  
• Their constant interaction with substrate makes them both functional and engaging to watch.
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• Ideal Tank Conditions
  
• Tank Size: Minimum 120 gallons (450L); 150–180 gallons recommended for groups.
• Temperature: 26°C – 30°C.
• pH Range: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (2–10 dGH).
• Filtration: Strong biological filtration required.
• Flow: Moderate.
• Aquascape Setup:
  
• Fine sand substrate is mandatory (critical for natural behavior and health).
• Open areas for sifting + structured zones with driftwood and plants.
• Use hardy plants (e.g., Anubias, Java Fern) attached to hardscape.
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• Pro Tip:
  
• Avoid gravel—it can damage their gills and prevent natural feeding behavior.
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• Tank Mates (Compatibility Strategy)
  
• Excellent for peaceful large community tanks.
• Ideal Tank Mates:
  
• Other Geophagus species
• Severum
• Angelfish
• Tetras (larger species like Congo or Bleeding Heart)
• Corydoras
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• Avoid:
  
• Highly aggressive cichlids (e.g., Dovii, Jaguar)
• Very small fish → may be accidentally consumed
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• Strategic Insight:
  
• Works best in biotope-style South American setups for maximum aesthetic and behavioral synergy.
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• Feeding Habits & Nutrition
  
• Omnivorous with a preference for small, sinking foods.
• Diet should include:
  
• High-quality sinking pellets (primary)
• Frozen foods:
  
• Bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
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• Occasional plant matter
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• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily.
• Optimization Tip:
  
• Use sinking foods to match their natural bottom-feeding behavior.
• A varied diet enhances coloration, especially red and blue tones.
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• Growth Rate & Size Potential
  
• Can grow up to 20–25 cm (8–10 inches).
• Moderate growth rate compared to other cichlids.
• Size and coloration improve significantly in larger, stable tanks.
• Important:
  
• Group dynamics improve as they mature—larger groups = better behavior and display.
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• Care & Maintenance
  
• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly (sensitive to poor water quality).
• Monitoring:
  
• Loss of color → stress or water issues
• Reduced sand-sifting → health or substrate issue
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• Disease Risks:
  
• Sensitive to poor water conditions
• Prone to common cichlid diseases if stressed
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• Handling Note:
  
• Gentle species—avoid aggressive tank mates that may cause chronic stress.
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