[2] Wild redhump eartheaters take substrate material into their mouths and sift out inedible bits of sand or gravel, while consuming detritus and small organisms.

Sexual dimorphism is clear - males have a large, red nuptial hump on their heads and grow larger than the females.

Spawning takes place on a smooth rock or clean sand bed.

The female carries the eggs until they are free-swimming and have absorbed their yolk sacs, about 2–3 weeks.

Eventually, she releases them and allows them to search for food, taking them back into her mouth when she feels threatened.