Geophagus proximus is a medium-sized eartheater cichlid, named for its habit of sifting through sand to find food. They have an elongated, laterally compressed body with slightly pointed snouts. Their coloration is generally light brown to beige with subtle iridescent spots along the body and fins.

Males tend to be larger, with more intense coloration and slightly elongated fins, while females are smaller and more subdued in appearance. Adult size typically ranges 15–20 cm.