Uruguayan eartheater
📖 Overview
Uruguayan eartheater (Gymnogeophagus australis), first described by Eigenmann, 1907 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 15.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cichlidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Uruguayan eartheater is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Uruguayan eartheater is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Larvophile mouth brooders. This corrects the previous information from Ref. 1672.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 22°C - 24°C South America: lower Paraná River basin, Argentina (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Gymnogeophagus Australis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Uruguayan eartheater is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Uruguayan eartheater has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geophagus australe | Eigenmann | 1907 | Synonym |
| Geophagus australis | Eigenmann | 1907 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Uruguayan eartheater.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Uruguayan eartheater ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.