Albino Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus pyrocephalus)

Common Name

Albino Red Head Tapajós

This is the selectively bred albino strain of the famous Red Head Tapajós eartheater from Brazil. Albinos show a creamy white to pearl body, clear to golden fins, pink to ruby eyes, and the signature red to orange blush on the head that deepens with age, good diet, and calm conditions. The underlying care is the same as the standard Red Head Tapajós form.

Origin and Habitat

Wild Red Head Tapajós originate in the Rio Tapajós basin of Brazil, a clearwater Amazon tributary with broad sandbanks, moderate current, and very high oxygen. Fish sift clean, fine sand along gently sloping margins dotted with rounded stones and driftwood. Clearwater in this region is typically neutral to slightly acidic and relatively low in dissolved solids. The albino strain is maintained in captivity and widely produced by aquaculture.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Aim for 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F), with excellent filtration and strong aeration.

• Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate low, and temperature steady.
• A pH range around 6.0–7.5 and soft to moderate hardness suits long-term care.
• Stable conditions are far more important than chasing exact parameters.

Appearance and Size

Albino fish lack melanin, so the body reads pearl to cream with translucent fins and pink eyes. The classic red to orange head patch remains and often glows under neutral lighting. Males develop slightly longer fin extensions and heavier color on the head and anterior flanks. Adult size is typically 15–18 cm TL (about 6–7 in), with some sources noting up to 18–20 cm depending on locality and husbandry.

Diet in the Wild

Geophagine cichlids are specialized sand sifters. Stomach content studies show a mix of small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, organic detritus, seeds, and periphyton gathered while sifting fine sediments.

Feeding in Captivity

Use a rotation of quality sinking pellets and soft granules that break down easily, with frequent small servings of frozen and live fare such as bloodworms, mysis, blackworms, daphnia, and enriched brine shrimp.

• Offer a green component through spirulina pellets, blanched greens, or algae-based wafers.
• Two to three modest meals per day keep condition high while preventing waste.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful for a cichlid and highly social.

• Keep a real group — plan for at least six individuals.
• Provide a long tank with open sand lanes; a footprint around 120 × 50 cm (48 × 20 in) works for a growing group, larger is better for adults.
• Use only fine, rounded sand (avoid gravel).
• Add rounded stones and driftwood to break sight lines.
• Live plants are possible when attached to wood/rock or potted and protected.
• Maintain high oxygen with steady flow and frequent water changes.
• Use a tight-fitting lid.

Breeding

Larvophilic biparental mouthbrooder.

• Well-conditioned pairs clean a flat stone or sand patch, lay and fertilize a clutch, and guard until hatching (about 2–3 days).
• Parents then pick up wrigglers and share mouthbrooding until fry are free-swimming.
• Large, clean water changes, stable mid-to-upper range temperatures, and plentiful small live/frozen foods are reliable triggers.
• Provide smooth stones, fine sand, and calm sight breaks.
• Remove tank mates or raise fry separately once the school begins to forage.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Geophagus pyrocephalus
• Common name: Albino Red Head Tapajós
• Origin: Rio Tapajós basin, Pará State, Brazil (albino strain captive-bred)
• Adult size: Commonly 15–18 cm TL (6–7 in)
• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• pH: ~6.0–7.5 typical for Tapajós clearwater, keep stable
• Hardness: Soft to moderate, keep stable with high oxygen
• Temperament: Peaceful, social sand sifter for groups
• Diet: Omnivore that sifts small invertebrates, detritus, and periphyton
• Breeding: Larvophilic biparental mouthbrooder; parents collect wrigglers after hatching

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

These are graceful, constantly moving sand sifters that turn a long tank into a living river. Keep the sand clean and fine, run bright but not harsh lighting to flatter the head color, and feed a varied menu with frequent small portions. A calm group transforms from pretty to spectacular as they settle and begin to sift in synchronized passes.