The Bahia Red is a beautiful, earth-eating cichlid belonging to the Geophagus brasiliensis complex. They are highly sought after for their vivid red/orange hues and pearlescent spangling. Like all 'eartheaters', they require a fine sand substrate to exhibit their natural sifting behaviors. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become aggressively territorial during breeding.
Bahia Red At a Glance
Bahia Red Tank Requirements
Will Bahia Red fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bahia Red needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bahia Red against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bahia Red Water Parameters
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Bahia Red Temperament & Compatibility
Bahia Red Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow significantly larger, exhibit brighter red/orange coloration, develop longer fin trailers, and may grow a small nuchal hump as they mature.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Bahia Red, Dominant Male, Standard
Female
Females are slightly smaller, have a more rounded profile, and less pronounced fin extensions. They are typically more peaceful until guarding a clutch of eggs.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Bahia Red
Juvenile
Unsexed juveniles are most common in the trade. They lack intense adult coloration but will grow rapidly on a high-protein diet. Must be upgraded to a 120cm+ tank as they mature.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Bahia Red, Unsexed Juvenile
Bahia Red Care Guide Summary
The Bahia Red, scientifically known as Geophagus sp. Bahia Red, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 18 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bahia Red requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Bahia Red is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male, Female, and Juvenile. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Bahia Red Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bahia Red, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Bahia Red Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Bahia Red is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bahia Red Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bahia Red.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bahia Red
How big does Bahia Red get?
Bahia Red (Geophagus sp. Bahia Red) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 18 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bahia Red need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Bahia Red. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bahia Red need?
Bahia Red thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bahia Red peaceful or aggressive?
Bahia Red is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Bahia Red live alone?
Yes, Bahia Red can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Bahia Red have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bahia Red benefits from sand (sifters) and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Bahia Red
These plants pair well with Bahia Red based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Bahia Red
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Tapajos'
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American Eartheater, recently formally described as Geophagus pyrocephalus. They are named for the bright red/orange coloration that develops on the heads of mature adults. As 'eartheaters', they constantly sift substrate through their gills to find food, making fine sand an absolute requirement to prevent injury. They are social cichlids that must be kept in groups.
Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
A popular Central American cichlid famous for the bright red coloration on its throat and belly, which it flares to intimidate rivals. They are earth-eaters, constantly sifting sand for food. While territorial, especially during breeding, they are relatively peaceful for a cichlid of their size compared to larger Central American counterparts.
Red Devil Cichlid
Amphilophus labiatus
A massive, extremely aggressive Central American cichlid. Aptly named, the Red Devil is highly intelligent, interactive, and famous for 'glass-banging' at their owners. They are powerful diggers that will uproot plants and rearrange decor. Because of their sheer aggression and jaw strength, they are almost exclusively kept as 'wet pets' in solitary setups.
African Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
A strikingly beautiful but notoriously aggressive West African riverine cichlid. Unlike the alkaline-loving Rift Lake cichlids (e.g., Mbuna), Jewel Cichlids prefer neutral, softer water parameters. They are renowned for their brilliant red breeding dress and iridescent blue spots, but also for their extreme territoriality, especially when forming pairs and spawning. They are avid diggers and will uproot most plants.
Royal Pleco (L190)
Panaque nigrolineatus
A stunning, large-growing pleco famous for its red eyes, grey/green coloration, and dark horizontal stripes. Belonging to the genus Panaque, they are xylophagous (obligate wood-eaters); real driftwood in the aquarium is absolutely essential for their digestion and survival. They produce extreme amounts of sawdust-like waste and require heavy, high-flow filtration.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.