Scientific name: Gymnogeophagus balzanii Common name: Argentine humphead Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 17 - 20 cm (6.69 - 7.87 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 19°N (89.29 - 339.29ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: South America Temperament to its own species: peaceful Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful Usual place in the tank: Middle levels Food and feeding Quality flakes or pellets should be the staple diet of Argentine humpheads. Treats of brine shrimp and daphnia will be readily accepted. Origin South America; Argentine humpheads were first discovered in Paraguay by Heiko Bleher. Sexing Males will develop the nuchal hump and have an extended dorsal fin. Females will be smaller than the males with less coloration. Breeding Argentine humpheads will need hiding places for spawning, plant pots are ideal for this. The female will tend the eggs while the male will defend the spawning site form intruders.24- 36 hours after spawning, the female will pick up the eggs and start mouth brooding. The fry should be released after 3 weeks, at this stage they will already be free swimmers and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp. Lifespan The expected life span for Gymnogeophagus balzanii is 5-8 years. Short description Gymnogeophagus balzanii demand the highest water quality; large weekly water changes must be performed. If the quality deteriorates they are prone to hole in the head disease. Pictures Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.
