Geophagus pyrocephalus M 4–6 cm (Geophagus pyrocephalus) is a relatively peaceful sand-sifting cichlid from South America. As adults they develop striking red/orange coloration on the head and flanks. The “M” indicates a selection of males. Our fish are juveniles of 4–6 cm and typically grow to around 15–18 cm as adults. This species is part of our freshwater range and is best kept in large, well-filtered aquariums with a fine sand substrate.

Behavior and care

Geophagus pyrocephalus is, for its size, a fairly calm cichlid. It spends most of its time sifting sand through its mouth in search of food. Within a group it establishes a clear but usually not extreme hierarchy, especially in spacious, well-structured tanks.

For a group of young males we recommend at least 300 litres, with a large footprint. Provide strong filtration, good oxygenation and a gentle current. Use starter bacteria when cycling the tank and monitor water values with our water tests. Very small fish or shrimp may be treated as prey.

Diet

This species is an omnivore with a strong insectivorous tendency, naturally sifting sand to find invertebrates, small crustaceans and plant debris. In the aquarium it readily accepts sinking pellets and sticks for cichlids, frozen foods (brine shrimp, krill, daphnia, mussel, bloodworms) and some vegetable additions (green pellets, small amounts of blanched vegetables).

For best condition, vary the diet using our foods for omnivorous cichlids and feed 2–3 small meals per day. Make sure a good portion of the food reaches the substrate to encourage natural sand-sifting behaviour.

Water parameters

• Ideal temperature: 24 – 28 °C
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• GH: 3 – 12 °dGH
• KH: 2 – 8 °dKH
• Conductivity: 80 – 300 µS

This species comes from soft to medium, slightly acidic to neutral water and, like all fish, is sensitive to nitrite spikes. Before adding the fish, treat tap water with an appropriate water conditioner. Provide filtration sized to the bioload and maintain the tank using our maintenance tools and regular weekly water changes.

Decor and environment

Recreate a South American river habitat with a fine sand substrate (essential for sifting) and stable rocks and driftwood to provide territories and hiding places.

Plants should be securely rooted or attached (Anubias, Microsorum, Cryptocoryne, epiphytes on wood), as these cichlids regularly disturb the substrate. A moderate lighting system and a selection of hardy plants will highlight their warm colours.

Care sheet

AquaBota tip

For impressive Geophagus pyrocephalus M, provide a deep sand bed for sifting, solid rock and wood structures and a varied, protein-rich diet with some vegetable content. A group of young males in a large aquarium displays beautiful colours with manageable aggression.
Stability = success: check your water values regularly with our water tests and adjust water-change frequency to the size and appetite of your cichlids.

Shipping and delivery of live fish

Fish are shipped with great care in insulated, purpose-designed packaging to ensure their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store pickup in Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipping schedule

• Order cut-off: every Monday at 10:00.
• France: shipments on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the destination department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium and Luxembourg: shipments on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.