Red Head Tapajos

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Bloat (GDV)

The Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus sp. Red Head Tapajos) is an eartheater from the Rio Tapajos in Brazil reaching about 15 to 20 cm. Its formal description is still unsettled, so it is traded under the location name. Eartheaters feed by taking sand into the mouth, sorting edible particles out with specialised gill rakers and expelling the rest, and a group doing this across a tank floor is one of the more absorbing sights in the hobby. A group of five or six needs 400 litres or more at 27-30C, soft acidic to neutral water, pH 5.5 to 7.5, and above all a soft sand substrate, since gravel prevents the behaviour that defines the fish and can damage the gills. Feed a sinking pellet, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and some vegetable content, in small portions, as the species is prone to digestive problems on heavy feeding. It is peaceful with tankmates, mildly hierarchical within the group, and a delayed mouthbrooder that lays on the substrate and then takes the eggs up. It suits a large community with tetras, plecos and other calm South Americans.

• How active is a Red Head Tapajos?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Red Head Tapajos need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Red Head Tapajos need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Red Head Tapajos a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Red Head Tapajos live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Red Head Tapajos?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Bloat (GDV). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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