Top 5 Geophagus Species to Have in Your Aquarium
“The Earth Eaters of the Aquarium World”
If you love graceful movement, fascinating behavior, and vibrant color — the Geophagus genus is a must-have in your aquarium. Commonly called “earth eaters,” these South American cichlids constantly sift through the substrate, filtering sand through their gills as they search for food.
They’re peaceful, intelligent, and incredibly beautiful — making them perfect centerpiece fish for larger freshwater setups.
Here are the top 5 Geophagus species that stand out in both beauty and temperament.
🌈 1. Geophagus Red Head Tapajos
Origin: Tapajós River Basin, Brazil
Size: 6–8 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, social, ideal for community tanks
The Red Head Tapajos is one of the most popular Geophagus species. Its bright red-orange head and metallic silver body make it a showstopper in any aquarium. They love fine sand where they can perform their natural “earth-eating” behavior. Pair them with peaceful South American fish like Severums, Corydoras, or larger tetras.
💡 Pro Tip: Use fine sand substrate and keep them in groups of at least 4–6 for best color and behavior.
🔥 2. Geophagus Sveni (Geophagus sp. “Orange Head”)
Origin: Brazil
Size: 7–8 inches
Temperament: Peaceful but active
The Sveni or Orange Head Geophagus is admired for its stunning orange-red head, shimmering blue fins, and calm personality. It’s hardy and relatively easy to keep, making it a favorite among both beginners and advanced hobbyists.
💡 Pro Tip: Provide driftwood and rocks for security. Their colors intensify with high-quality food and regular water changes.
🌿 3. Geophagus Winemilleri
Origin: Venezuela and Colombia
Size: Up to 10 inches
Temperament: Semi-peaceful, best in large tanks (75+ gallons)
The Winemilleri is known for its elongated fins and beautiful blue-green sheen. It’s slightly larger and more territorial than Tapajos or Sveni, so it does best with equally sized tankmates. When kept in groups, they develop impressive hierarchy behavior that’s fascinating to watch.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep them in well-filtered tanks with gentle flow and soft, slightly acidic water for vibrant coloration.
🌅 4. Geophagus Heckelii (Threadfin Geophagus)
Origin: Amazon Basin
Size: 8–10 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, majestic
The Heckelii, also known as the Threadfin Geophagus, is one of the most elegant species thanks to its long, trailing dorsal and caudal fins. They’re peaceful and pair beautifully with angelfish, Severums, and larger tetras.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep the water clean and the tank covered — their long fins can be damaged in rough setups.
💎 5. Geophagus Surinamensis
Origin: Suriname and Brazil
Size: 10 inches
Temperament: Gentle giant, graceful feeder
The Surinamensis is a true classic. Its metallic green and red tones shimmer under aquarium lighting. Despite its size, it’s gentle and enjoys sifting through the sand for food. It’s one of the best species to showcase the “earth-eater” behavior Geophagus are known for.
💡 Pro Tip: Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp to mimic natural feeding habits.
🏆 Bonus Tip: Keep Them in Groups
Geophagus thrive in groups of 4–8 individuals. Watching their social interactions and sand-sifting behavior is part of what makes them so fascinating. Always use fine sand, maintain excellent filtration, and perform regular water changes for the healthiest fish and brightest colors.
💬 Visit Rockland Aquarium
At Rockland Aquarium, we regularly stock high-quality Geophagus species, from Tapajos to Heckelii — all carefully quarantined and conditioned for optimal health.
📦 We ship nationwide!
📍 Serving Rockland County, NY and nearby areas for tank setup and maintenance services
🐠 Visit rocklandaquarium.com for our current live fish availability, aquarium supplies, and professional installation services.
