{"product_id":"red-head-tapajos-eartheater-geophagus-sp","title":"Red Head Tapajos Eartheater – Geophagus sp.","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Red Head Tapajos Eartheater (\u003cem\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a beautiful South American cichlid admired for its vivid red to orange head coloration, graceful movement, and fascinating sand-sifting behavior. Native to the Tapajós River basin in Brazil, this species gets the name “eartheater” from its natural habit of sifting sand through its mouth while searching for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many cichlids, Red Head Tapajos are generally peaceful, social, and elegant. They make excellent display fish for larger freshwater aquariums, peaceful South American cichlid communities, and natural Amazon-style setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red to orange head coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful South American cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural sand-sifting behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial and best kept in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent display fish for larger aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Head Tapajos Eartheater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brazil, Tapajós River basin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6–8 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons; larger recommended for groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore; offer quality pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Head Tapajos Eartheaters do best in aquariums with fine sand substrate, open swimming space, driftwood, smooth rocks, and strong filtration. Sand is strongly recommended because these fish naturally sift through the substrate while feeding. Avoid sharp gravel, as it can damage their mouths or gills during sifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide excellent water quality, stable parameters, and moderate water flow. A natural Amazon-style aquarium with driftwood, botanicals, and soft lighting can help bring out their best behavior and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGroup Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Head Tapajos are social cichlids and are best kept in groups of 5 or more when tank size allows. Keeping them in a proper group can help reduce shyness, spread out minor territorial behavior, and encourage more natural social interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose peaceful tankmates that enjoy similar water conditions and are large enough not to be viewed as food. Good options may include other peaceful \u003cem\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/em\u003e species, Angelfish, larger tetras, Corydoras, and peaceful plecos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish, and very small fish that may become stressed or potentially eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Head Tapajos are substrate-spawning cichlids with biparental care. Breeding is more successful in mature aquariums with stable water quality, a peaceful environment, and enough space for pairs or groups to establish territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmazon biotope aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge planted or natural-style tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful South American cichlid communities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquarists who enjoy natural fish behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand-bottom freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Red Head Tapajos Eartheaters uproot plants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey may disturb plants while sifting through sand. Rooted plants should be well-established, or you can use plants attached to driftwood, rocks, or other hardscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Red Head Tapajos aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are generally peaceful for cichlids, especially when kept in proper groups and given enough space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need sand?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Fine sand is strongly recommended for their natural sifting behavior and overall comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are best for intermediate aquarists due to their adult size, group behavior, and need for stable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Red Head Tapajos live with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Freshwater shrimp will likely be eaten or stressed and are not recommended as tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Head Tapajos Eartheater is a stunning choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful, active, and naturally beautiful South American cichlid. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for freshwater fish, live plants, aquarium supplies, and expert aquarium care support.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53069717405909,"sku":null,"price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/download_5_6faa2db2-c09c-4170-9079-26cc58228585.jpg?v=1770476053","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/red-head-tapajos-eartheater-geophagus-sp","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}