Red Head Tapajós (Geophagus sp. "Red Head Tapajós")

The Red Head Tapajós is one of the most sought-after South American cichlids, prized for its metallic blue-green body, vibrant red-orange head, and elegant finnage. As they mature, their colours become even more striking, making them a stunning centrepiece in any aquarium.

Despite their impressive appearance, Red Head Tapajós are peaceful earth-eaters that do well in groups and can be kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive South American fish. They enjoy sifting fine sand through their gills in search of food, a fascinating natural behaviour that makes them enjoyable to watch.

At Ottawa Tropical Fish, our Red Head Tapajós are carefully selected, healthy, and well acclimated before being offered for sale.

Care Information

Scientific Name: Geophagus sp. "Red Head Tapajós"

Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons

Water Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)

pH: 6.0–7.5

Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods, live foods, and vegetable-based foods

Tank Setup: Fine sand substrate, driftwood, rocks, and open swimming areas

Why Choose Red Head Tapajós?

Brilliant red head with iridescent blue-green body

Peaceful for a large cichlid

Fascinating sand-sifting behaviour

Excellent for South American community aquariums

A true showpiece fish that becomes more colourful with age