Red Head Tapajos

Scientific Name: Geophagus pyrocephalus
Common Name: Red Head Tapajos / Red Head Tapajos Eartheater

The Red Head Tapajos is a beautiful South American eartheater cichlid originating from Brazil's Tapajós River basin. As the fish matures, it develops its signature orange-red coloration across the head along with iridescent blue-green spotting and colorful fin markings. Juveniles are considerably less colorful, with their adult coloration developing as they grow.

Red Head Tapajos are relatively peaceful for cichlids and are especially known for their natural sand-sifting behavior. They repeatedly take mouthfuls of substrate, separate edible material, and expel the remaining sand through the mouth and gills. Because of this behavior, a soft sand substrate is essential rather than simply decorative.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful / Mildly Territorial
Purchase Size: Approximately 2.5 inches — Juvenile
Adult Size: Approximately 6–7 inches commonly in aquariums
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons recommended
Temperature: 79–86°F
pH: 4.5–7.5
Hardness: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore / Benthic Forager
Origin: Tapajós River Basin, Brazil
Recommended Group Size: Best maintained in a group when adequate space is available.

Recommended Setup: A soft, fine sand substrate is one of the most important requirements for Red Head Tapajos because it allows them to perform their natural feeding behavior without damaging their mouths or gills. Provide plenty of open sand along with driftwood, rocks, and sheltered areas. A mature aquarium with excellent water quality, strong biological filtration, and adequate floor space is recommended.

Feed a varied diet of quality sinking cichlid pellets or granules supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods. Because Red Head Tapajos naturally forage along the bottom, offer foods that reach the substrate rather than relying exclusively on floating foods.

Please Note: You are purchasing a juvenile Red Head Tapajos approximately 2.5 inches in size. Juveniles will generally not display the intense red head and mature coloration shown by fully grown adults. Color, markings, fin development, and body shape will continue developing as the fish matures. Sex is selected randomly and is not guaranteed by the supplier. Aqua Huna specifically identifies these fish as juveniles.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.