Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Pearl Cichlid

Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

Also called Mother-of-pearl cichlid, Pearlscale cichlid, Earth eater

Calm for much of the time, but males claim and defend a patch of the tank, especially when a pair is ready to spawn.

Size	Large
Length	25 to 28 cm (10 to 11 in)1 2 3
Coat	Deep-bodied eartheater cichlid
Origin	South America: Atlantic coastal river systems of eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay, with some sources extending the range to Paraguay and far north-eastern Argentina. Also lives in slightly brackish coastal lagoons.1 2 3
Last checked	2026-09-30

SpeciesShort profile

Shimmering pearl-like spangles

Adaptable to a wide range of water conditions

Devoted parents that raise their fry together

2 3

Personality what they are like

Calm for much of the time, but males claim and defend a patch of the tank, especially when a pair is ready to spawn. Best with robust tankmates too big to be eaten.2 3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pearl Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied eartheater cichlid

A sturdy, high-backed cichlid covered in shining pale blue speckles that give it a pearly look. Adult males end up clearly bigger than females and often grow a rounded forehead bump. Body shape varies by home water, slimmer in fast rivers and deeper in still water.2 3

Coloursbluegreenyellowlight browndark blue to purpleiridescent blue specklesdark flank spot2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A busy bottom forager that sifts through the substrate, and a pair becomes very watchful when guarding a nest site.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs a mature, well-filtered aquarium with large regular water changes; good mechanical filtration helps catch the fine sand it stirs up.2

Home where they are happiest

Large aquarium of at least about 150 x 45 cm (around 300 litres), soft sand, driftwood, roots and flat stones, with dim lighting. Water about 18 to 28 C, pH roughly 6.0 to 8.0 and soft to fairly hard water.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore: a quality sinking pellet or granule as the staple, plus frozen or live bloodworm and brine shrimp and some plant matter.2 1

Company who they like around

Kept as a single male-female pair or in a large tank with other sturdy fish; pairs form naturally when young fish grow up together.2 3

The story where it all began

The pearl cichlid was among the earliest cichlids described from South America, named by the French naturalists Quoy and Gaimard in 1824. It has long been a favourite with aquarists, and fish once sold in Europe under another name are usually this species.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The genus name Geophagus means earth eater, after the way these fish sift mouthfuls of sand for food.3
2
It copes with both fresh and slightly salty lagoon water across a broad pH range.3
3
Colour shifts with mood and breeding condition, from pale brown to deep blue or purple.3
4
Wild populations look different from place to place, with blue, green or yellow tones depending on locality.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 18 November 2020)1
Taxonomy: Described by Quoy and Gaimard in 1824; possibly a complex of several closely related forms2

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pearl Cichlid?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their omnivore needs and helps keep water quality stable.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Pearl Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat a quality sinking pellet or granule as a staple, plus frozen or live bloodworm and brine shrimp with some plant matter. Avoid any foods not designed for fish, and never feed them human food or anything with additives.2 1

How much space does a Pearl Cichlid need?

They need a large aquarium of at least about 150 x 45 cm, which is around 300 litres. This gives them room to forage and for a pair to claim a territory.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Pearl Cichlid need?

Water should be 18 to 28°C, with pH roughly 6.0 to 8.0 and soft to fairly hard water. They prefer dim lighting and a setup with soft sand, driftwood, roots and flat stones.2 1

How often should I clean a Pearl Cichlid's home?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing in old tank water. This keeps the mature, well-filtered aquarium they need.2 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Pearl Cichlid live with others?

Yes, they can be kept as a single male-female pair or in a large tank with other sturdy fish too big to be eaten. Pairs form naturally when young fish grow up together.2 3

How long does a Pearl Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Pearl Cichlid?

It's best not to handle them; they are fish and need to stay in the water. Handling can stress them and damage their protective slime coat.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Green Terror

Blue Acara

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Geophagus brasiliensis fishbase.seused for taxonomy, range, size, water parameters, IUCN
Seriously Fish: Geophagus brasiliensis seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, notes
Wikipedia: Pearl cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for size, colour, breeding, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.