Geophagus Tapajo | Tapajos Eartheater
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🐟 Geophagus tapajo Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Geophagus tapajo |
| Common Name | Tapajós Eartheater, Geophagus Tapajó |
| Origin | South America (Tapajós River Basin, Brazil) |
| Adult Size | 15–20 cm (6–8 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, semi-aggressive when breeding |
| Tank Level | Bottom to mid-level |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 250+ liters (65+ gallons) for a single adult; larger for a group |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Fine sand (for sifting and digging) |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, caves, leaf litter |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; fish produces moderate waste |
Tips:
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Provide ample sand substrate for natural digging behavior.
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Soft, fine sand prevents damage to gill rakers and mouth.
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Peaceful with similarly sized tankmates but territorial when spawning.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous / substrate feeder
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Best Foods: Sinking pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), blanched vegetables, occasional algae wafers.
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; variety helps maintain health and coloration.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Constantly sifts sand for food.
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Peaceful with medium to large peaceful cichlids and community fish.
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Males develop subtle coloration and slight nuchal humps during breeding.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Other peaceful Geophagus species
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Keyhole Cichlids, Apistogramma
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Silver Dollars
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Plecos and other large bottom-dwellers
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Aggressive cichlids (Convicts, Jack Dempsey)
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Very small fish that can be eaten
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Fish that compete for substrate space
🐣 Breeding Info
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Spawning Method: Substrate spawner; eggs laid in sand pits or flat surfaces.
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Parental Care: Both parents guard eggs and fry.
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Fry Care: Feed infusoria or microworms initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Named for its native Tapajós River habitat in Brazil.
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Excellent sand-sifter; ideal for South American cichlid tanks.
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Peaceful and visually appealing, with subtle coloration that intensifies during breeding.
