Greenstreaked Eartheater Care Guide

The Greenstreaked Eartheater is a captivating and moderately vibrant aquatic species that can make a striking addition to your aquarium. As mostly peaceful fish with moderate hardiness, they require specific care conditions to thrive. Here is an extensive guide to help you take care of the Greenstreaked Eartheater, covering essential aspects like feeding, tank setup, and maintenance.

Tank Setup

The Greenstreaked Eartheater is ideally kept in a spacious environment due to its size, which can range from 20 cm to 25 cm. A larger tank is recommended, with at least 50 liters per fish. Ensure that the tank is well-aerated and provides ample swimming space, as these fish are bottom, mid-tank, and surface dwellers.

To accommodate their highly territorial nature, include plenty of hiding places and visual barriers using rocks, driftwood, or plants. This will help diminish territorial disputes among the fish within the aquarium. Maintain a stable pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 and keep the water temperature between 24°C and 28°C.

Feeding

The Greenstreaked Eartheater has a varied diet and benefits from a wide range of nutrition sources. Offer high-quality flake or pellet foods supplemented with live or frozen options such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and frozen shrimp. To ensure complete nutrition, include vegetable matter and algae wafers. Color-enhancing food and occasional feeding of daphnia, micro worms, and stick-on tablets can boost their vibrancy. Always ensure that their food is varied to meet their nutritional requirements.

Social Behavior

Greenstreaked Eartheaters are social creatures and thrive in groups. A minimum school size of 6 is advisable to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. However, due to their moderate territorial behavior, it's essential to prevent overcrowding to minimize potential disputes.

Breeding and Aggression

Breeding Greenstreaked Eartheaters can be a rewarding experience, though it requires attention to their moderately aggressive breeding behavior. Providing a separate breeding tank with similar water parameters can give these fish the environment they need without disturbing the main aquarium community.

Maintenance

The Greenstreaked Eartheater requires moderate maintenance in terms of water changes and tank cleanliness. Regular water changes are essential to maintain suitable water conditions. Keep an eye on water parameters using testing kits, and clean the tank every few weeks to prevent algal blooms and waste accumulation.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

While Greenstreaked Eartheaters are mostly peaceful, their highly territorial nature necessitates careful consideration when choosing tank mates. Compatible species include other moderately peaceful cichlids and fish that are not prone to nipping fins or invading territories. Avoid housing them with significantly smaller fish or very aggressive species.

Providing appropriate care for the Greenstreaked Eartheater ensures not only their well-being but also an enriched aquarium environment brimming with vibrancy and life.