Description

The Geophagus sp. Tapajos “Red Head,” commonly referred to as the Red Head Tapajo or Red Head Eartheater, is a beautiful and charismatic South American cichlid native to the Tapajós River in Brazil. Named for their distinctive “eartheating” behavior of sifting through sand, these fish are known for their stunning colors, peaceful temperament, and engaging social behaviors. They are a popular choice among cichlid enthusiasts and are suitable for those with some experience in fishkeeping.
Appearance
The Red Head Tapajo is a medium-sized cichlid, reaching an adult size of 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm). Its most striking feature is the bright red to orange coloration on its head, which contrasts beautifully with its silvery-blue body. Iridescent blue, green, and turquoise specks are scattered across their scales, giving them a radiant appearance. Their elongated, slightly pointed fins may also carry a hint of red or orange, especially in males, who display more vibrant colors than females. Males are typically larger and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
In the wild, Geophagus Tapajos inhabit sandy-bottomed rivers with slow to moderate water flow and plenty of hiding spots created by driftwood and rock formations. To replicate their natural habitat, a spacious tank with fine sand substrate and ample decorations is ideal. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended for a single pair, though larger tanks (75 gallons or more) allow for groups and reduce territorial behavior.
Tank Setup
Substrate: Fine sand is essential, as Red Head Tapajos spend much of their time sifting through it in search of food. Gravel can damage their gills and inhibit natural behaviors, so a soft sand substrate is preferred.
Décor: Use driftwood, rocks, and sturdy plants to create hiding spots and establish territories. Floating plants help diffuse lighting, as these fish prefer slightly dimmer conditions.
Water Quality: Maintaining clean water with stable parameters is essential, as cichlids can be sensitive to poor water quality.Temperature: Between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Diet and Feeding
Red Head Tapajos are omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods. In the wild, they sift through the substrate to find small invertebrates, detritus, and plant matter. In captivity, they do well on a varied diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets or granules, along with frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mysis shrimp. Supplementing their diet with vegetables, such as blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini, can provide balanced nutrition and enhance their colors.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Red Head Tapajo is considered one of the more peaceful cichlids, particularly when kept in a proper environment with adequate space and hiding spots. They are generally non-aggressive and can be kept in groups to encourage natural social behavior, though a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 is recommended to reduce stress and competition. They make excellent tank mates for other peaceful South American fish, including corydoras catfish, angelfish, plecos, tetras, and other non-aggressive eartheaters. However, avoid housing them with aggressive or very small fish, as they may be mistaken for food.
Lifespan and Care
With optimal care, Red Head Tapajos can live between 8 and 10 years in captivity. They are relatively hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes, good filtration, and stable water parameters are necessary. Their sand-sifting behavior stirs up substrate debris, so a powerful but gentle filtration system helps maintain water quality.
Special Considerations
Eartheating Behavior: Sand-sifting, or “eartheating,” is a natural behavior that helps them find food and provides enrichment. Fine sand substrate is essential to allow this behavior and prevent injury to their delicate gill structures.
Tank Mates: While generally peaceful, males can become territorial, especially during breeding. Ensuring enough space, hiding spots, and visual barriers can reduce aggression.
Lighting and Decor: These fish prefer slightly subdued lighting and natural décor. Using driftwood and rocks with caves can help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Breeding
Breeding Geophagus Tapajos in captivity is possible but requires stable, ideal water conditions and proper tank setup. They are mouthbrooders, meaning the female will hold the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch. To encourage breeding, keep a pair or a small group in a spacious tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature between 80°F and 82°F (27°C to 28°C). The female will incubate the eggs for around 1–2 weeks, after which the fry can be released and fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed fry food.
Final Thoughts
The Red Head Tapajo is a beautiful, peaceful, and engaging cichlid that adds both color and activity to large aquariums. Their fascinating behaviors, especially sand-sifting, combined with their striking colors, make them a favorite among cichlid enthusiasts. With the right environment and proper care, these fish can thrive and provide endless interest in any well-maintained freshwater setup.