Pearl Cichlid

Geophagus brasiliensis

Pearl Cichlid is a all-zone swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveAll-zone swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Pearl Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm)
Aquarium size: 85 US gal (320 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 64–82°F (18–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 85 US gal (320 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Pearl Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Pearl Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 85 US gal (320 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Uruguay.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 77–84°F (25–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Pearl Cichlid get?

Pearl Cichlid reaches ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Pearl Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 85 US gal (320 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.

Is Pearl Cichlid peaceful?

Pearl Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Pearl Cichlid?

Keep it between 18 to 28 °C.