GEOPHAGUS SURENAMENSIS
These handsome cichlids are South American. The are called Geophagus Surenamensis or Red striped earth eaters. I have always loved Geophagus cichlids so this was a perfect time to get myself some.
These Cichlids are peaceful and get along well with many other species. Now as for tank mates, it took me a little while wandering around the shop before I decided on the Torpedo Barbs or Roseline sharks and they are also called. I thought they would compliment the Geos with their beautiful colouration and their constant activity. I ended up getting 6 Geos and 10 Barbs. There are 11 actually. Mike at the shop tossed in the extra one for me.
I also picked up this amazing piece of driftwood and some Anubis as well. Many of you know I'm not very good with planted tanks but I do love the look. I'm not ready to give up totally so I thought this would be the easiest for me. I could have a plant tank without planted plants if that makes any sense.
I drilled holes into the driftwood and stuck the anubias in gently just enough to hold it. Some of the pieces I tied on with fishing line. I absolutely love how it turned out. Planted plants with Geophagus don't do so well. After all the Geos are affectionately called Earth eaters for a reason. They constantly sift through the sand in search of morsels to eat, uprooting plants as they go. Otherwise they don't bother much with the plants. They may nibble once in a while but not enough to do any damage. The barbs are great with plants too.. So now I just have to learn from them!!
Over the weekend Hubby and I went to Finatics in Mississauga fish shopping. You know she's an addict when she'd rather go fish shopping than cloths shopping! Unfortunately fish shopping is usually more expensive. Living in a rural area we pretty much have to drive everywhere. Our town has the essentials but certainly no LFS.
Finatics is by far my favourite. For a few reasons. First of course is Mike the owner. He's incredibly knowledgeable, kind, helpful , funny and nice looking to boot!. What more could you want? All his stock is topnotch quality and he stands behind every thing he sells. He's got a amazing staff of experienced people working for him as well. It's a beautiful shop and a pleasure just to wander around. You can see the care and passion that's put into each tank.
I still had some haps and peacocks to sell so I thought I would show them to Mike and see if he would take them. It's very wise to take photos along not the fish themselves. If they want them they will let you know. If you take the fish along you are at risk of transporting your fish and stressing them out for no reason if they aren't wanted.
So on Saturday I chose the fish I wanted, Mike marked them sold and I took my fish in yesterday. We agreed on a price and I brought my new fish home. This video was taken after they had been in the tank for about 8 hours or so. They settled in nicely, are eating well and I'm sure they are going to love their new home just as much as I love them.