Mikrogeophagus

Mikrogeophagus

The genus Mikrogeophagus was established in 1968 by Axelrod and describes small, colorful cichlids from South America. The name comes from Greek: mikros (small), geo (earth) and phagein (to eat), referring to their habit of sifting through sand in search of food.

Distribution and habitat

Mikrogeophagus species occur in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia. They mainly live in slow-flowing or stagnant waters such as streams, pools, and flooded forest areas. The biotopes are often:

• Soft, acidic water (pH 4.0–6.5)
• Warm (24–30 °C)
• Rich in leaves, roots, and wood
• With a sandy bottom in which they can burrow

Physical characteristics

• Small size: usually 5–8 cm
• Brightly colored patterns with blue, yellow, red, and black accents
• Eyes often with a striking iridescent sheen
• Sexual dimorphism present: males are usually larger, have elongated dorsal and anal fins, and more intense colors

Behavior

Mikrogeophagus species are known to be peaceful to semi-territorial, especially during the breeding season. They do not dig deep, but sift through the sand with their gills to filter out edible particles. In a well-set-up aquarium, they are curious and interactive.

Species within the genus

The genus has only two species:

• Mikrogeophagus ramirezi – Ramirezi
• Mikrogeophagus altispinosus – Bolivian Ram

Feeding

In the wild, they eat small invertebrates, insect larvae, worms, and plant material. In the aquarium, they accept:

• Live and frozen food (artemia, daphnia, mosquito larvae)
• Small pellet or granulated food
• Flake food

A varied diet promotes color and vitality.

Breeding

Mikrogeophagus is a substrate breeder. The pair chooses a flat stone, leaf, or hollow as a spawning site. Both parents guard and care for the eggs and young. Young fish are guided to safe areas and fed fine dust food or freshly hatched brine shrimp.