Geophagus sp. are relatively mild-mannered large cichlids. They actively swim in the water column but are bottom feeders.  Therefore, they prefer fine sandy substrates to forage for food (e.g. blackworms, earthworms).  These cichlids are so efficient at bottom-feeding that they’re often regarded as living vacuum cleaners.

“Geos” are not as common as other cichlids in our hobby, but they’ve developed a cult following for their big yet gentle personalities and their irresistible Dr. Seuss-like snout; it seems most bottom-feeders develop cult followings … right pleco and corycat lovers?

Geophagus is a genus comprised of dozens of species.  However, the genus is still in a state of taxonomic flux, which means there is a good chance the genus will be revised in the future.  Geophagus mirabilis is formally described in the latest issue of Neotropical Ichthyology.