Geophagus Red Head Tapajos

Geophagus Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus sp. "Red Head Tapajos") is a stunning, peaceful cichlid known for its vibrant red-orange head and fascinating sand-sifting behavior. It is a favorite among aquarium hobbyists due to its manageable size and peaceful temperament.

Maximum Size:

• Grows up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in captivity.

Native Region:

• Found in South America, specifically in the Tapajós River, a tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil.
• They inhabit slow-moving waters with sandy substrates and leaf litter.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?):

• Omnivorous, with a preference for sand-sifting to find food.
• In the wild, they consume small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus.
• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality pellets and flakes
  ✅ Frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
  ✅ Vegetables (blanched spinach, zucchini)

Lifespan:

• Typically 8 to 10 years with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder
• The female carries fertilized eggs in her mouth for about 2-3 weeks before releasing the free-swimming fry.
• Breeding occurs year-round in captivity if conditions are optimal (clean water, warm temperatures, and proper diet).
• Both parents may protect the fry, though they are less aggressive compared to other cichlids.

Best Tank Mates:

✅ Peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids (Severums, Uaru, Keyhole Cichlids, Festivums)
✅ Larger schooling fish (Congo Tetras, Silver Dollars, Rummy Nose Tetras)
✅ Bottom dwellers (Plecos, Corydoras, Hoplo Catfish)
✅ Other Geophagus species (Geophagus altifrons, Geophagus surinamensis)

🚫 Avoid:

• Aggressive cichlids like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and Green Terrors.
• Small fish that may be mistaken for food, such as Neon Tetras.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum, but 75+ gallons is ideal for a group.
• Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
• Substrate: Fine sand (to allow natural sand-sifting behavior).
• Décor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, and leaf litter to mimic their natural habitat.