Red Head Tapajos - (Geophagus pyrocephalus)

🐟 Red Head Tapajos – (Geophagus pyrocephalus) – Peaceful Sand-Sifting Cichlid for Sale

The Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus pyrocephalus) is one of the most popular and colorful “eartheater” cichlids in the aquarium hobby. Native to the Rio Tapajós Basin in Brazil, this species is instantly recognizable for its brilliant red to orange head, shimmering blue-green body, and graceful long fins.

Like other Geophagus species, the Red Head Tapajos is a gentle sand-sifter, constantly picking up fine substrate and filtering it through its gills in search of food. It is peaceful, community-friendly, and stunning in planted or open aquascapes with sandy bottoms.

🔎 Quick Facts – Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus pyrocephalus)

• 📛 Common Names: Red Head Tapajos, Tapajos Eartheater
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Geophagus pyrocephalus
• 🌍 Origin: Rio Tapajós Basin, Brazil – South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Vivid red/orange head, metallic blue-green scales, and elongated dorsal/anal fins
• 📏 Max Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Common in the trade; mostly captive-bred

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful and community-friendly
• 🐟 Active sand-sifting behavior all day
• 👫 Best kept in groups of 5+ for social interaction
• 🪵 Minimal aggression except during spawning

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons for a group
• 🌿 Sandy substrate is essential for natural feeding
• 🪵 Rocks, driftwood, and open swimming areas
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate current

💧 Water Parameters – Red Head Tapajos Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🌾 High-quality sinking cichlid pellets
• 🦐 Frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
• 🪱 Bloodworms, blackworms (as treats)
• 🥬 Blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach

📋 Red Head Tapajos Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Red Head Tapajos is a peaceful, brilliantly colored Geophagus perfect for planted or sandy-bottom community tanks, offering endless activity and striking beauty.