Description

🐠 Red Head Tapajos

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Geophagus sp. “Red Head Tapajos”

• Common Name: Red Head Eartheater, Tapajos Eartheater

• Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom to Middle

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Temperature: 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F)

• Water Type: Soft, clean, and well-oxygenated

• Hardness: GH 3–8, KH 2–6

🐟 Characteristics

• Peaceful, colorful South American cichlid.

• Known for its bright red/orange head and silver body.

• “Eartheater” type – sifts sand through its gills for food.

• Active but not overly aggressive; great for community tanks.

• Displays best colors in groups.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina, blanched vegetables.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Weekly water changes: 25–40%

• Fine sand substrate is essential (they dig and sift).

• Provide driftwood, stones, and hiding areas.

• Strong filtration with gentle flow.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 4–6 (they thrive in groups).

• Tank Mates: Angelfish, Severum, Corydoras, Plecos, Silver Dollars, peaceful medium cichlids, large Tetras.

• Avoid: Aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Flowerhorn) and very small fish (risk of being eaten).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups for best color and behavior.

• Use soft sand substrate.

• Maintain clean, warm water with good oxygen.

• Provide both open swimming space and hiding spots.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with aggressive or very tiny fish.

• Don’t use sharp gravel substrate.

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

• Don’t skip water changes—they’re sensitive to dirty water.

⭐ Quick Tips

• One of the most peaceful and colorful Geophagus species.

• Best suited for large community tanks with sand.

• Easy to care for if water quality is stable and tank mates are chosen wisely.