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Common name: Altifrons Eartheater
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: Amazon Basin (Brazil and surrounding regions)
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Size: 18–25 cm (males larger, with extended finnage and nuchal hump)
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Lifespan: 8–12+ years
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Temperament: Generally peaceful, semi-territorial when breeding
A large, elegant eartheater known for its shimmering colours and constant sand-sifting behaviour.
Tank Requirements
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Minimum tank size: 300–400 litres (larger for adult groups)
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Substrate: Fine sand (essential)
- Allows natural feeding behaviour and prevents injury
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Decor:
- Driftwood and smooth rocks
- Open swimming areas
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Plants:
- Optional; use hardy, well-rooted species (may be disturbed)
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Filtration: Strong and efficient (high bioload species)
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Flow: Moderate
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 26–30°C
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pH: 5.5–7.0 (prefers slightly acidic conditions)
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Hardness: Soft to moderately soft
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Water quality: Extremely important
- Sensitive to nitrate build-up
- Weekly 30–50% water changes recommended
Behaviour & Compatibility
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Social structure:
- Best kept in groups of 5–8 (reduces stress and aggression)
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Tank mates:
- Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size
- Examples: larger tetras, other peaceful cichlids, catfish
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Avoid:
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Very small fish (may be eaten)
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Behaviour:
- Constant substrate sifting (“eartheating”)
- Displays social hierarchy, especially in groups
Feeding
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Diet: Omnivorous
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Recommended foods:
- High-quality sinking pellets or granules
- Frozen foods (bloodworms, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp)
- Occasional live foods
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Supplement:
- Vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched vegetables)
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Feeding tips:
- Feed small portions 2–3 times daily
- Ensure food reaches the bottom
Special Care Notes
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Sand substrate is critical
- Gravel can damage gills and mouthparts during sifting
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Water quality sensitivity:
- Poor conditions can lead to disease and poor growth
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Growth rate:
- Fast-growing when fed well and kept in clean water
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Appearance:
- Best colouration develops in calm, well-maintained tanks
Breeding (Optional Info for Customers)
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Difficulty: Moderate to advanced
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Breeding type: Mouthbrooder (usually maternal)
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Spawning:
- Eggs laid on flat surfaces, then collected into mouth
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Fry care:
- Female protects fry in her mouth for several weeks
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Tip:
- Provide quiet conditions and stable water parameters
Common Customer Mistakes
- Underestimating adult size and tank requirements
- Keeping singly or in pairs instead of groups
- Using coarse gravel instead of sand
- Inadequate filtration or water changes
- Mixing with overly aggressive species
Recommendations
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- Clearly communicate adult size and tank requirements
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fine sand substrate
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large filtration systems suitable for cichlids
- group purchases
- quality sinking foods and frozen options
- display centrepiece fish for larger aquariums
