Introduction: Described as Geophagus balzanii by Perugia in 1891. This species went through a number of revisions before being placed in the Gymnogeophagus genus in 1918 by Miranda Ribeiro. Gg. balzanii is a high bodied Gymnogeophagine, with males developing a large prominent nuchal hump.
Scientific Name: Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Etymology: "Gymno"is the Greek word for "naked", referring to the typical lack of scales on the heads of fishes of the Cichlidae family. Geophagus is derived from the Greek word "Gea" meaning "Earth", and the Greek word "Phagein" meaning "to eat".
Synonyms: Geophagus balzanii Perugia (Senior), Geophagus duodecimspinosus Boulenger (Junior), Gymnogeophagus cyanopterus Ribeiro (Junior).
Distribution: Gg. balzanii possess the largest distribution among the Gymnogeophagines. Endemic to Uruguay, Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Physical Description: The body of this species is slightly atypical for Gymnogeophagines, being fairly high, with a very prominent nuchal hump in males. More than 12 dark vertical bars can be observed in some specimens, while not at all in others, likely due to collection point. Yellow or Gold coloration can be seen in the throat, and Pectoral Fin areas. Directly behind the operculum often an area containing iridophores. A large dark spot can be observed slightly below the upper lateral line, in approximately the mid-dorsal area.
Size: 170mm.
Water Parameters:
Recommended Tank Size:
Breeding: Delayed maternal mouthbrooder.
Original Description: N/A
