Data sheet Redhead Eater
German name:
Redhead Eater
Scientific name:
Geophagus tapajos
Origin:
Rivers of Central and South America
Size:
Body length in nature up to 27 cm, in the aquarium males up to 18 cm, females up to 16 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 150 cm width
Contents:
from 450 liters
water values
Temperature:
28°- 30° C
pH:
6.5 – 7.2
GH:
2° – 15° dH
Behave
Area:
lower and middle range
Lining:
omnivorousfrozen and live food, granules, flakes, mosquito larvae, Artemia, only fine chunks
Behave:
Group housing or harem housingterritorial, peaceful
Number:
4 to 6 animals
Difficulty level:
Beginner
Posture recommendation
Hectonichus, Cichlidae – Geophagus altifrons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Tapajos Orange Head)
The location variant from the genus of cichlids is popular in aquaristics. The attractive coloring and interesting behavior tempt to acquire the animals. This Geophagus species has not yet been scientifically described.
The Latin name suggests the type of food intake, «geos» means earth and «phagein» means to eat. The fish absorb sand and mud and filter their food from it. They expel indigestible matter and sand through their gill slits.
The aquarium should have one thick layer of sand as ground cover so that the animals can burrow sufficiently. As Plants come exclusively hardy species in question. In order to protect the roots and to prevent the plants from being dug up, stones around the plants have proven useful. Offer more stones and bigger roots hiding places. In addition, the fish need enough free space for swimming.
Although hardy, Geophagus are tapajos sensitive to water temperature. If the temperature in the pool falls below 28°C, they run the risk of developing hole-in-the-hole disease.
gender differences
The males are larger, bulkier and more colorful than the females.
breed
During the breeding season, the fish behave cautiously, and their colors fade.
are redhead horse eaters larvophilic mouthbrooders. The spawning area is thoroughly cleaned. The female lays the eggs on a flat rock where they are fertilized by the male. The Parents cover the eggs with sand and guard the clutchuntil the larvae hatch. Depending on the water temperature, this happens after 24 to 48 hours. The larvae will taken alternately by both parents in the mouth. To hand over the young animals, they dig a small depression in the ground. The larvae are briefly released into there so that the other parent can take over.
After 8 to 12 days, the young swim freely. The parents take them in their mouths at night or when there is danger for another 10 to 12 days.
The young fish can be fed with Artemia nauplii.
socialization
The peaceful cichlids can be socialized well with fish of the same size from the Amazon region. Other cichlids, L-catfish, larger tetras or armored catfish are well suited for a community tank.
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