Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos
Rainbow Humphead Cichlid (Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos)
Rainbow Humphead Cichlid (Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos)
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Remarks: The rainbow humphead cichlid (Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos) is a smaller eartheater very rarely seen within the hobby. Such rarity is driven not by lack of interest as many collectors seek them out for their beautiful coloration and impressive nuchal humps present on mature males. Juvenile rainbow humphead cichlids are mostly muted tan in color, but mature fish shine with a rainbow of red, yellow, orange, blue, and green hues giving rise to their common name. Such coloration is most vibrant in dominant males while females and lesser dominant males are more muted.
As mentioned previously, the rarity of the rainbow humphead cichlid in home aquariums is not due to a lack of demand, but rather a lack of availability. In the wild, this species is known to only occur in the Río Uruguay and the Río Negro within Brazil and Argentina. Combine the limited native range with the fact many other similar looking species of Gymnogeophagus can also be found in these areas, and the result is that true Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos are almost never exported. Captive breeding has proven to be fairly challenging as well since this species requires conditions to be just right to induce spawning.
Rainbow humphead cichlids are not very picky eaters, remain a manageable size, and are very docile even toward smaller fish and conspecifics, but it is not a good choice for those unfamiliar with Gymnogeophagus. This is due to their requirement of having pristine water conditions and an annual cooling period that they would undergo within their natural habitats. Frequent water changes alongside soft, acidic water parameters are a must if one wants to avoid illness. While they will tolerate warmer temperatures for short periods, the health of rainbow humphead cichlids will gradually decline over time if they are not given an annual period of lower temperatures between 57-65 °F for at least a month or so. Make sure the temperature change is done gradually over the course of at least a few days to a few weeks to avoid temperature shock.
Not only does this cool period improve the health of your rainbow humphead cichlids, but it is also required to induce spawning. If looking to undertake the challenge of breeding, you can increase your chances of successful spawns if this cool period is induced during what would be the winter months in South America, June-August. When ready to spawn, a pair will select a smooth surface such as a stone that they clean before attaching their eggs. Both the male and female will guard the eggs until they hatch, upon which the female will take the newborn fry into her mouth. Only the female will continue to care for the fry until they are large enough to fend for themselves.
Like all eartheaters, rainbow humphead cichlids require a sandy substrate due to their earth-eating habits. They sift mouthfuls of sand through their gills, pulling out bits of food to eat. Gravel presents a very high probability of choking or refusing to eat. Also like their close relatives, these fish do best in groups of 4 or more but can also do well in single male and female pairs. Due to their smaller size, adult can be kept in an aquarium as small as 40 gallons if kept as a single, breeding pair, but 75 gallons or more is recommended if they are to be kept with other fish. Whether undertaking the challenge of breeding this species or looking to keep a cool-water community tank, rainbow humphead cichlids are a joy to keep.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: South America
- Breeding: Wild-caught in Brazil
- Max adult size: 4-5"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 57°F - 75°F
- pH range: 6.0 - 7.0
- TDS range: 25 ppm - 200 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee