{"product_id":"orange-head-tapajo-geophagus-sp-tapajos","title":"Orange Head Tapajo | Geophagus sp. 'Tapajos'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orange Head Tapajos is arguably the showpiece of the eartheater world — a glowing orange forehead over a pearl-spangled, blue-flecked body. Reaching around 15 cm, it is a peaceful, endlessly busy sand-sifter that adds movement, colour and personality to a soft-water display. Well kept, it is one of the most rewarding of the larger, gentle cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeophagus sp. 'Tapajos' inhabits the clear, warm, soft and slightly acidic waters of the Rio Tapajós and its tributaries in the Amazon basin of Brazil. It lives over sandy riverbeds that it constantly sifts for food, so warm, clean, soft water and a fine sand substrate are the keys to keeping it healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species shows a fiery orange to red head above a silvery body covered in rows of iridescent blue-green spots, with faint bars and blue-and-orange fin trim. Colour intensifies markedly when the fish is settled, well-fed and kept in soft water. Males grow a little larger and can develop extended fin filaments with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most peaceful larger cichlids, the Tapajos spends its day grazing the substrate rather than defending territory. Kept as a group of five or more, they establish a gentle hierarchy and feel far more secure, colouring up and behaving naturally. They only become mildly territorial around a spawning site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn omnivorous sand-sifter that scoops up mouthfuls of sand and filters out edible morsels through the gills. Offer sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, but avoid overfeeding rich dry foods, as the genus is prone to bloat. A fine sand bed is important so the fish can feed in its natural way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 200 litres (300 litres-plus for a group) with fine sand, driftwood, gentle flow and warm, soft, spotless water. They are sensitive to nitrate and poor water quality, so strong filtration and regular water changes matter. This is an intermediate fish chiefly because of its need for pristine, soft, warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrange Head Tapajos are biparental, delayed mouthbrooders: a pair spawns on a cleaned surface, then carries the eggs and fry in their mouths, releasing free-swimming young to forage under guard. A group will usually pair off naturally, and both parents share brood care in soft, warm water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeophagus sp. 'Tapajos' (Orange Head)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrange Head Tapajos, Tapajos Eartheater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRio Tapajós, Amazon basin, Brazil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 15 cm (occasionally to 18 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–10 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (territorial only when breeding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 litres or larger for a group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore – sand-sifting; sinking pellets and frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26–30 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5–7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–8 dGH (soft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft-water South American community and cichlid aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMostly – does not eat plants but may unsettle shallow-rooted ones while sifting sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful South American species such as tetras, pencilfish, larger rasboras, other Geophagus, Corydoras and calm mid-water dithers. Ideal for a soft-water community with plenty of open sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggressive or boisterous cichlids, hard-water Rift Lake species, fin-nippers, and any fish fast enough to steal food from these gentle feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232810090787,"sku":"AA2440","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232810123555,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232810156323,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Orange_Head_Tapajo_cb561f7b-4957-4563-b678-1e9d5925c7ae.jpg?v=1781699450","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/orange-head-tapajo-geophagus-sp-tapajos","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}