The Albino Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus pyrocephalus) is a rare and striking colour morph of the Red Head Tapajos eartheater cichlid. While the standard variety is known for its iridescent blue-green body, the albino variant replaces these dark pigments with a pearly white or creamy-yellow base.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Mature specimens feature a bright red or orange "blaze" on the forehead and face. Their fins often display vibrant highlights of pink, orange, and even subtle blue iridescence.
Size: They typically reach an adult size of 12–20 cm (5–8 inches).
Behavior: Known for being peaceful and social, they are "eartheaters" that constantly sift through sand to find food.
Aquarium Care
To keep these cichlids healthy, their environment must cater to their natural digging instincts and sensitivity to water quality:
Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is mandatory. Sharp gravel can damage their delicate gills during sifting.
Tank Size: A minimum of 200–300 litres (55–80 gallons) is recommended to house a small group of 4–6 individuals, which helps reduce minor territorial stress.
Water Parameters: They thrive in warm (24–30°C), slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 5.5–7.5). They are very sensitive to nitrate and ammonia spikes; weekly water changes are highly recommended.
Diet: Omnivorous but require small-sized food. Offer high-quality sinking pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.
Compatibility
They are excellent candidates for South American community tanks.
Ideal Mates: Peaceful tank mates like Corydoras, large tetras, plecos, and other non-aggressive Geophagus species.
Avoid: Highly aggressive or territorial fish like Red Devils or Jaguar Cichlids that may bully them.
SKU: RBM
