Geophagus Pyroceohalus Red Head Tapajos – The Vibrant Eartheater

Bring the stunning beauty of Brazil’s Rio Tapajos to your aquarium with the Geophagus Pyroceohalus Red Head Tapajos. This captivating cichlid is renowned for its vibrant, contrasting colors: a distinct, fiery red-orange coloration on its head and dorsal fin, set against a shimmering, iridescent blue-green body. As one of the most popular “Eartheaters,” these peaceful yet imposing cichlids engage in fascinating substrate sifting behavior, constantly sifting through sand in search of food. Their graceful movements, impressive adult size, and striking appearance make them an undeniable centerpiece for any large, South American biotope or community aquarium.

Key Features 

• Vibrant “Red Head” Coloration: Features a brilliant red-orange head and dorsal fin, providing a spectacular contrast against its blue-green body.
• Fascinating Sifting Behavior: Known for their characteristic “eartheating” behavior, constantly sifting sand through their gills in search of food, which is both natural and engaging to observe.
• Peaceful Giants: Despite their impressive size, they are generally peaceful towards other tank mates, making them suitable for carefully chosen large community tanks.
• Impressive Presence: Growing to a significant size, they become majestic centerpieces, commanding attention with their striking colors and elegant movements.
• Enhances Substrate Health: Their constant sifting helps to aerate the substrate, preventing anaerobic pockets and promoting a healthier tank environment.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is required for a small group (3-5), with 125 gallons or more ideal for adult specimens to ensure adequate swimming and foraging space.
• Substrate: Crucial. A fine, soft sandy substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate mouthparts and gills during their natural sifting behavior.
• Water Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C).
• pH Range: Prefers soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water, pH 6.0–7.5.
• Diet: Omnivorous, but predominantly carnivorous. A high-quality sinking pellet or flake food should be the staple, supplemented with a variety of frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
• Tank Mates: Best kept with other large, peaceful South American cichlids, larger tetras, large Corydoras, and Loricariids (plecos). Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish.

Why Choose Our Geophagus Pyroceohalus Red Head Tapajos?

The Geophagus Pyroceohalus Red Head Tapajos offers an unparalleled blend of vibrant beauty, engaging natural behavior, and a peaceful temperament, making it a truly rewarding fish to keep. Our specimens are carefully selected for their health, color, and vigor, ensuring you receive a high-quality fish ready to thrive and become a stunning focal point in your aquarium. Witness the natural marvel of the Amazon in your own home with this magnificent eartheater.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We ship healthy, robust Geophagus Pyroceohalus Red Head Tapajos directly from our US-based facility. Every order is meticulously packed by experts and is backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee for your complete peace of mind.