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.
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) At a Glance
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Tank Requirements
Will Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Water Parameters
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Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) Temperament & Compatibility
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) 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
Red 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.
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.
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.
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) 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)
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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.
Top Tank Mates for Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesCigar Shark (Mad Barb)
Leptobarbus hoevenii
Ideal Tank MatesPrice's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina pricei
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
These plants pair well with Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus) 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 Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
Geophagus Orange Head Tapajos
Geophagus sp. 'Orange Head'
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American 'eartheater' native to the Rio Tapajós. They are famous for the vibrant orange/red coloration on the heads of mature adults and their fascinating feeding behavior. They are gregarious and must be kept in groups. Fine sand substrate is absolutely mandatory, as they constantly sift it through their gills to forage.
Bahia Red
Geophagus sp. Bahia Red
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.
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
A stunning subtropical 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Uruguay River basin. Unlike typical Amazonian cichlids, they are temperate and benefit from a seasonal winter cooling period. As their name implies, they continuously sift the substrate for benthic invertebrates, making a soft sand substrate an absolute necessity to prevent mouth and gill damage. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Altifrons Eartheater
Geophagus altifrons
The Altifrons Eartheater is a large, graceful South American cichlid famous for its benthophagous feeding behavior. It constantly takes mouthfuls of sand, sifting it through its gills to extract small food particles. This natural behavior requires a fine sand substrate to prevent gill damage. While generally peaceful and best kept in groups, their constant digging will uproot most planted vegetation.
Cupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
A peaceful, mildly gregarious 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Amazon and Essequibo River basins. Known for the distinctive black teardrop marking behind their gills and subtle, iridescent pastel coloration. Unlike many South American cichlids, they are remarkably gentle and thrive in small shoals. They require excellent water quality and a soft sand substrate to exhibit their natural sifting behavior.
Jurupari Eartheater
Satanoperca jurupari
The Jurupari Eartheater is a remarkably peaceful South American cichlid famous for its continuous substrate-sifting behavior. They require a fine sand substrate to thrive and prevent damage to their delicate gills. Unlike highly aggressive cichlids, they are gentle giants that prefer the company of their own kind in a large, uncrowded community of similar-sized peaceful fish.