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Encyclopedia / Cichlids / Pearl cichlid
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Variations

1 kinds · tap one for a closer look

Pearl cichlid

Geophagus brasiliensis · Brazilian eartheater, Geophagus brasiliensis

Semi-aggressive with similar-sized fish; may harass smaller tankmates.

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28 cmAdult size ✓
18–26 °CTemperature ✓
6–8pH ✓
300 LSmallest tank ✓
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Tank mates
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Not recommended
  • Pearl cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Neon tetra only grows to 2.5 cm.
Not recommended
  • Pearl cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Cardinal tetra only grows to 3 cm.
Not recommended
  • Pearl cichlid eats animals up to about 4 cm. Black neon tetra only grows to 3.2 cm.
With conditions
  • Only a narrow temperature range suits both: exactly 26 °C.
With conditions
  • Only a narrow pH range suits both: exactly 6.
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

410 species in our list are a good match.

Facts checked against sources on 16 Oct 2026. ✓ means a source backs it; ? means no reliable source yet. See sources

Care and water

Hardness ✓1–15 dGH
Group size ✓2 or more
Temperament ✓Semi-aggressive
Swims at ?Bottom
Care level ✓Moderate
Diet Omnivore
Lifespan ?Unknown
Size in shops 5–8 cm
Growth Medium

Behavior

Semi-aggressive with similar-sized fish; may harass smaller tankmates.

  • sand

Food

Sinking pellets, frozen foods and some vegetables.

Tap a food to see what it is.

Male or female

Males grow larger than females, often much larger, and dominant males usually develop a nuchal (head) hump.

Health

Common problems. Tap one to see the signs. This is a guide, not a diagnosis.

Breeding

Open substrate spawner · Moderate

Biparental substrate spawner: lays eggs on a flat rock or similar surface and both parents guard the brood.

Pairing

Grow out 6 juveniles and let a pair form; separate the pair if others are harassed.

Setup

A 300 L tank with a sponge or gentle filter, flat slate or rocks as spawning surfaces and a tight lid.

What starts it

Warm, clean water, frequent water changes and protein-rich food.

Eggs

FishBase uses a fecundity of 600-800 eggs.

Raising the fry

Parents move the wrigglers to pits and guard the free-swimming fry; feed newly hatched brine shrimp and crushed flake.

Common mistakes
  • Tank too small for a pair
  • Dirty water
  • Not removing the weaker partner when a pair fights
Full breeding guide, day-by-day plan and simulator →

Where it lives in the wild

RegionEastern & southern Brazil and Uruguay
Rivers and lakesCoastal rivers of eastern and southern Brazil
HabitatRivers, lakes and coastal lagoons
Native rangeAbout 1,000 km across
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The story of the pearl cichlid

A hardy, adaptable cichlid from coastal Brazil and Uruguay, named the pearl or mother-of-pearl cichlid for its iridescent scales. It takes temperatures down to about 18°C and some lagoon populations tolerate some salt; colour varies a lot by locality.

French naturalists Quoy and Gaimard described this cichlid in 1824 from the voyage of the corvette Uranie. It is a hardy fish that tolerates a wide range of conditions. It has also been introduced outside its native range.

First described by Jean R. C. Quoy & Joseph P. Gaimard in 1824.

  • It tolerates cooler water than most Geophagus.
  • It is a substrate spawner, not a mouthbrooder like many relatives.
  • It shows pearly spots on its body.

Sources

15 facts checked with sources