{"product_id":"red-head-tapajo-cichlid","title":"Red Head Tapajo Cichlid","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Red Head Tapajos Cichlid\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Head Tapajos Cichlid is one of the most stunning South American eartheaters, prized for its brilliant red-orange head, iridescent blue-green body, and graceful finnage. Native to the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, this peaceful cichlid is admired for both its spectacular colours and fascinating natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an eartheater, the Red Head Tapajos constantly sifts mouthfuls of fine sand through its gills in search of small insects, worms, crustaceans, and other edible particles. This natural feeding behaviour makes a soft sand substrate essential for their long-term health and wellbeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite their impressive size, Red Head Tapajos Cichlids are remarkably peaceful and make excellent additions to larger South American community aquariums. They coexist well with Angelfish, Severums, larger Tetras, peaceful Geophagus species, Corydoras, and compatible Plecos. A spacious aquarium with driftwood, smooth rocks, and open sandy areas allows them to display their natural behaviour while showcasing their incredible colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium cichlid pellets, sinking granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, krill, and high-quality live foods will help maximise their vibrant colours and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeophagus\u003c\/em\u003e sp. \"Red Head Tapajos\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Head Tapajos Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRio Tapajós, Brazil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18–20 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e300 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–30°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–10 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge South American community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Red Head Tapajos Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are one of the most peaceful medium to large cichlids and are ideal for South American community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are they called Eartheaters?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey constantly sift sand through their mouths to filter out insects, crustaceans, and other food, giving rise to the name \"Eartheater.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Red Head Tapajos Cichlids eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on quality cichlid pellets, sinking granules, frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, krill, blackworms, and other nutritious foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Red Head Tapajos Cichlids live with Angelfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are excellent companions for Angelfish, Severums, peaceful Geophagus, larger Tetras, and other non-aggressive South American fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo they need sand?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A fine sand substrate is essential, allowing them to perform their natural sand-sifting behaviour without damaging their mouths or gills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUsing gravel instead of sand\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGravel prevents their natural feeding behaviour and may damage their delicate mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in small aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese active cichlids require plenty of swimming space as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing with aggressive cichlids\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive Central American or African cichlids that may bully these peaceful fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding an unbalanced diet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet helps maintain their vibrant colours and excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular water changes, excellent filtration, and stable water conditions are essential for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853889089675,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/rGszCKwLGUYp8hQgKLujUPPZ2zgIY5gZf2r5nJgFSCItOxF367eHtn-RK1qCyF9GSdCqsYV8alQxzYUqmfMgkKk2i2JYbFKJQiRSf0WrgaRx69daNdEhI82H9AtHXxRRw9bXzlYyt_2wpBbH5SgwGbe-KIUWB86dp5qYUll1QgsEej3YViipQ4E.jpg?v=1785997521","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/red-head-tapajo-cichlid","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}