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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Adult specimens displaying the characteristic bright red head (more prominent in dominant males). Best kept in groups of 5+ to diffuse mild conspecific bickering and encourage natural shoaling behavior.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Breeding Size
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are typically silver/grey and lack the distinctive red head, which develops as they mature. They can be grown out in slightly smaller tanks temporarily but will grow quickly.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Uncolored
Top Tank Mates
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Clea helena
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMotoro Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
🟢Ideal Tank MatesClown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesSterba's Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
🟢Ideal Tank MatesTinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
🟢Ideal Tank MatesRed Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Care Guide Summary
The Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus), scientifically known as Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Tapajos', 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 mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). 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.
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus), 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, 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. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. 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.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
How big does Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) get?
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) (Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Tapajos') 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 Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) need?
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) peaceful or aggressive?
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) live alone?
No, Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
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.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Green Terror
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
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.
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.
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
A remarkably peaceful and shy South American cichlid, named for the distinctive keyhole-shaped black marking on its flank. Unlike many of its cousins, it rarely digs or destroys plants and makes an excellent resident for a peaceful community tank. When stressed or frightened, it can rapidly mottle its colors to blend in with its surroundings.