The Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid (Geophagus surinamensis) is a tropical freshwater ray-finned fish.

The Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid is silver with horizontal stripes. It has a long dorsal fin (back fin) and trailing pectoral fins.

It measures 15-30 centimetres (6-12 inches) long.

The Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid is native to South America, in the Saramacca and Suriname rivers. It prefers mud and sand-bottomed canals.

It is omnivorous, eating small aquatic animals and algae. It digs for food with its protractile mouth (pouted or big-lipped mouth). It has teeth.

The female Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid lays eggs on a flat stone or hole in the sand. Both the male and female parent scoops up the eggs in their mouths to protect them from predators until they hatch. The eggs hatch after about 3 days. Even when the young fish, called fry, are in danger, the parents will protect them in their mouths. This is called mouthbrooding.

Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid

Redstriped Eartheater Cichlid

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM