Geophagus Tapajos 'orange Head'

[minxfishy]

Hi, Ive seen some of these fish in my LFS and they look very nice, but I cant find much info about them.

Im wondering if I could keep them with my rams in a 55g tank? If so, how many?

Currently have 3 blue rams, 2 bolivian rams and 5 bleeding heart tetras in there so plenty of space.

Any info greatly appreciated

 

[Dan Robbins]

V.nice fish...
Grow to about 8", so youd want to watch them with the BH tetras when they reach that size.
You could get a pair in there id say..

 

[minxfishy]

Great 2 would be nice, the BH tetras are quite big, so hopefully shouldnt have a problem. I was more concerned for the rams, but as long as they wouldnt bully them then I shall add a pair, thanks

 

[scatz]

Great 2 would be nice, the BH tetras are quite big, so hopefully shouldnt have a problem. I was more concerned for the rams, but as long as they wouldnt bully them then I shall add a pair, thanks

if you get a pair of geo's and they breed, nothing in that tank will be safe, they are evil when guarding fry

 

[LosC519]

Try one but don't get a pair. I would move the bolivi's and blue rams.

 

[minxfishy]

Ummmm too late, went out yesterday and got two. No clue as to gender. Roughly 5" in size.

They are all fine so far, in fact the Geo's are more scared of the bolivians than the other way round, although Im aware this could change once they settle in. I have plenty of caves and hiding places, one which they have decided is theirs already, which is fine it was one that wasnt claimed yet, bogwood etc for shelter if anyone was to turn tempremental and obviously any funny business would be dealt with.

Do you think my rams could be in trouble at a later date then or just if they happen to be a pair and spawn? You got me worried now

 

[Dan Robbins]

Geos are generally peacful.. As with ALL cichlids, if you get a breeding pair, they will show increased agression to tankmates.
Geos will be fine... the chances of them pairing and spawning are quite small anyways, Even if they do, i wouldnt worry to much...
i forgot to mention, Geophagus is derived from the greek meaning "eater of earth" due to its habits of sifting through tthe substrate in search of food. Point being, You need a sand substrate or a VERY fine gravel so it does not damange their gills as they do this, If you havnt got sand in there already, its easy enough to change...
Dan..

 

[minxfishy]

Yep I have black sand in my tanks so no problems there.

Everything Ive managed to find says they are fairly peaceful, well as peaceful as cichlids can be. They are happily swimming around together and not bothering anyone, little skittish when I approach the tank too quickly, but otherwise they seem fine.

 

[ikongoni]

They are smashing fish.
I'd really like to keep some if I can persuade 'er indoors to let me have a larger tank...

 

[duncs]

Would disagree with Geophagines being peaceful fishes - it isn't always the case. Some species, especially the steindachneri which is renowned for its aggression relative to other eartheaters, will be aggressive towards any conspecifics or similarly sized fishes that they believe to be a threat. Pairing up is a nightmare, and establishing dominance can be fatal for the less dominant Geos. Even after dominance is established in a group they will chase and nip regularly.

If the two "tapajos" pair up.. then the rest of your tank will have problems. If one of the "tapajos" decides to become the dominant fish, then the other will have problems.

Be careful, keep an eye on them. If any of the fishes in your tank start ending up in one corner, not swimming as much as usual, it's time to consider re-homing.. imo

 

[scatz]

I'd have to agree with duncs, you're going to have to keep a close eye on them. mine were fine with every fish in my tank, all got along fine, then 2 paired up and spawned, then it was like world war 3. luckily, i only had larger plecs in with them, they just took to ground, still ended up with shredded tails and fins though

 

[minxfishy]

Ok thanks, will keep a close eye. I have a feeling from everything ive found on the net, that they are both female, but it always pays to be careful

 

[Dan Robbins]

even if you had a male and female, chances of them pairing are quite small...
I wouldnt worry IMO. a 55 gallon offeres enough space anyways..