One of the smaller species of South American eartheater, the Choco Red Hump Eartheater is similar to the more commonly seen G. steindachneri from the Magdalena basin but may represent either a regional variant or distinct undescribed species. This variant displays striking yellows, with mature males showing vivid iridescent blue and red as well. A hardy and adaptable species, they tend to take prepared foods better than some of their more delicate relatives but like all Geophagus prefer a fine sand substrate to sift through. A social fish when young, they can become aggressive and territorial when they are large enough to form pairs and spawn.