Gymnogeophagus labiatus — Thick-Lipped Eartheater

Gymnogeophagus labiatus is a strikingly beautiful eartheater cichlid from the temperate river systems of Uruguay and southern Brazil — and one of the rarer Gymnogeophagus species to appear in the hobby. Unlike most cichlids, G. labiatus thrives in cooler water, making it a fascinating choice for aquarists looking for something outside the tropical mainstream.

Our F1 stock is bred directly from wild-caught parents personally collected from Uruguay, giving you genuine wild genetics in a captive-bred fish. These are not mass-produced imports — they are the real thing, one step removed from the wild.

Gymnogeophagus labiatus is a maternal mouthbrooder that lays eggs on the substrate before the female incubates them in her mouth for 10–12 days. Watching the breeding process from courtship to free-swimming fry is one of the most rewarding experiences in cichlid keeping.