Geophagus sp. Red Head Tapajós

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The Geophagus Tapajos, commonly known as the Red Head Tapajos, is a vibrantly colored fish found in the Tapajos River, within the Amazon River basin in South America. The name Geophagus Tapajos comes from the Greek word "geo," which means "earth," and "phagus," which means "eater." This species is a rare beauty among aquarium enthusiasts, as it is found only in a limited region of the world.

Care for the Geophagus Tapajos:

1. Water Temperature: Due to its origin in warm waters, the Geophagus Tapajos prefers water temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. They thrive best in clean water with low lighting, allowing them to forage for food in the sand. A filtration system with moderate flow that creates calmer areas in the aquarium should be included. Water changes should occur regularly to maintain low nitrate levels, as the Geophagus Tapajos is sensitive to deteriorating water conditions.

2. Water pH: The Geophagus Tapajos prefers the aquarium water to have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic. This species also depends on soft water to replicate its natural habitat.

3. Geophagus Tapajos Size: The Geophagus Tapajos reaches a maximum size of 15 centimeters, with some individuals rarely reaching 20 centimeters.

4. Aquarium Size for Geophagus Tapajos: An aquarium for the Geophagus Tapajos should have a minimum of 208 liters. Since this species prefers to live in groups, a tank with at least 341 liters is ideal for a group of five to eight Geophagus Tapajos. The more space they have, the better for this active species as they will enjoy more room for swimming and socializing.

5. Feeding and Diet: The Geophagus Tapajos primarily feeds at the bottom of the aquarium as an omnivore but can also come to the surface in search of frozen bloodworms. They should be fed with variety in mind, and most of them enjoy brine shrimp, blackworms, krill, flakes, and soft cichlid pellets.

6. Geophagus Tapajos Lifespan: The Geophagus Tapajos can live up to eight years in captivity when properly cared for. This includes a diverse diet, suitable aquarium setup, and maintenance, as well as social interaction.

7. Aquarium Setup for Geophagus Tapajos: The Geophagus Tapajos aquarium should be set up to closely resemble its natural habitat, including a fine sand substrate and various hiding spots. Hiding spots in the aquarium can include logs, rocky structures, and dense vegetation. The Geophagus Tapajos also enjoys nibbling on plants, so adding some that can attach to logs or live in pots is recommended to keep the species entertained. Any vegetation buried in the substrate is likely to be unearthed as the Geophagus Tapajos searches for food. A spacious and mature habitat is important to ensure the health and happiness of this active species.

8. Reproduction of Geophagus Tapajos: Breeding the Geophagus Tapajos is not very difficult and can be achieved by feeding them protein-rich foods, raising the water temperature to 30°C, and lowering the pH level with peat moss. The female Geophagus Tapajos can lay up to 300 eggs at once in a flat location, and 24 hours after laying the eggs, she will move them to her mouth until they hatch. The parents dig holes in the sand to shelter their offspring during the day and hide them in their mouths at night for two to three weeks until the fry are finally released to swim freely. Young Geophagus Tapajos feed on small brine shrimp and crushed flakes until they mature.

9. How to Breed Geophagus Tapajos: The Geophagus Tapajos species can be bred in a home aquarium. The male and female of the Geophagus Tapajos court each other through fin displays and circling. When the female is ready, she will lay her eggs in a previously cleaned location, where the male will fertilize them, and they will repeat this pattern until the female is finished. After 48 to 72 hours, the eggs will hatch and be taken into the parents' mouths for protection and incubation.

The Geophagus Tapajos is a mouth-brooding species, meaning they care for and protect the fry inside their mouths for an extended period.

Male or Female Geophagus Tapajos: Males of the Geophagus Tapajos display more intense colors than females, are slightly larger, and have fin extensions.

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