TAPAJOS ORANGE HEAD

The Red/Orange Head Tapajos Eartheater (Geophagus sp. Tapajos Orange Head) is one of the most sought-after New World cichlids due to its peaceful disposition, manageable size, and most of all, its incredible adult coloration. It is regarded as one of the smallest and most colorful "earth-eating" species. The entire Geophagus genus is known for its characteristic feeding behavior of scooping up mouthfuls of substrate, which it separates from any small invertebrate prey, and expelling the sifted substrate through its gills. 

The Red/Orange Head Tapajos Eartheater requires an aquarium with a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of refuge such as clay pots, driftwood, and rock formations. Gravel and other larger substrates can damage the gills and organs of this fish as it feeds. Due to its digging behavior and occasional appetite for soft-leaved plants, it might not be compatible with some more delicate plants. However, it is fine with more durable plants that can be attached to rocks and driftwood. This cichlid is generally compatible with other peaceful fish as long as it has plenty of open terrain. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning, but this species tends to thrive and show its best coloration in groups of 5-6 specimens or more. Subdominant specimens are more prone to bullying in smaller groups. In larger groups, juveniles and subadults will often congregate with adults. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Red/Orange Head Tapajos Eartheater, but more durable, larger shrimp and snails could possibly make good tankmates in a large enough aquarium  Schooling fish such as tetras, pencilfish, and Corydoras catfish are good tankmates, as are suckermouth catfish and other relatively peaceful cichlids such as severums, angelfish, and even discus. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other similar-looking species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether unless the aquarium is extremely large. 

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature:  78.8° - 86° F (26° - 30° C)
• pH:  4.0 - 7.0
• KH:  2 - 7 KH
• Minimum tank size:  90+ gallons for a group of 5-8 specimens, although a larger tank is more optimal for this active species.

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet:  Omnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty and plant-based foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration.
• Social behavior:  Gregarious. Males can be territorial when attempting to spawn and females are very protective of their eggs during spawning.
• Origin:  Tank-bred, but indigenous to Lower Rio Tapajos, Brazil
• Average adult size:  6 - 8 inches (15 - 20 cm), though 6 inches is most common
• Average purchase size:  1.5 inches (3.8 cm) for Juveniles, 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.6 cm) for Subadults