Since the end of the 1980s, a beautifully colored Geophagus from the closer relationship of G. altifrons and G. surinamensis has been known, which differs from almost all other Geophagus species by an orange or red forehead. This characteristic affects both sexes from the onset of sexual maturity, which is the case at around 8-10 cm in length (excluding caudal fin). But even before that, this Geophagus species can be easily identified by the narrow vertical bands. With a maximum length of 16 cm, this species is one of the smaller representatives of the narrower relationship.
This fish, which was always referred to in the hobby as “Tapajós”, but with various other nicknames such as red head, orange head, Tapajós I (there are other Geophagus species in the Rio Tapajós), red cheek or red face, was not given a scientific name until 2022. The scientific name “pyrocephalus” translates as “fire head”. Why was this striking fish, which is by no means rare in the biotope, only “officially” described so late? This is mainly due to the fact that it is practically without exception color characteristics that distinguish G. pyrocephalus from other species in the group and it took a very long time before color characteristics were accepted as the sole species characteristics in science. Previously, “tangible” anatomical distinguishing features were required, which can also be recognized from old, faded museum material. A rethink has now taken place here.
G. pyrocephalus is a larvophilic mouthbrooder. This means that the pair initially spawns on a stone or similar in an open-brooder manner. Only after 2-3 days (depending on the water temperature), when the larvae are ready to hatch, are they carefully released from the egg shells with the mouth and incubated in the mouth for further brood care. Both sexes take part in the brood care ( = parent family). Externally, males and females differ mainly in their finning, which is considerably more abundant in the male. Both sexes have a red/orange-colored head. As these fish live in social groups outside the spawning season, it is advisable to keep them in a group, from which pairs will then separate on their own.
For our customers: the animals have code 681612 (5-7 cm), 681615 (10-12 cm) and 681616 (12-15 cm) on our stock list; all animals are captive bred. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
