Geophagus Sveni care guide
Geophagus Sveni (Geophagus sveni) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 25-30 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.
Overview
Sven's Eartheater (Geophagus sveni) is a Brazilian cichlid from the Rio Tocantins basin, formally described in 2010. The body bears five or six dark vertical bars on a metallic blue-green ground and a row of dark lateral spots. Adults reach about 20 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Geophagus
- Scientific name: Geophagus sveni
- Common synonyms: Sven's Eartheater
Habitat
Native to slow-moving warm sections of large rivers and floodplain lakes in the Amazon basin of Brazil and adjacent countries. The species inhabits sandy substrates near submerged wood and root cover in soft, slightly acidic water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 15-20 cm
- Temperature: 25-30 °C (77-86 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- School size: ≥5 individuals
Diet
A sand-sifting omnivore that takes small invertebrates, organic detritus and plant matter from the substrate. In aquaria a moderate-protein cichlid pellet, frozen mysis and chopped earthworm work well; the species spends much of its time scooping mouthfuls of sand.
Compatibility
Peaceful for its size and well suited to large community tanks with similarly sized fish — large tetras, Corydoras, peaceful catfish and dwarf cichlids. Maintain a small group of 5+ as the species is social. The substrate must be sand to allow natural sifting behaviour.
Breeding
A biparental delayed mouthbrooder. Eggs are deposited on a flat rock and guarded for a day or two before the parents pick them up and mouthbrood them through the wriggler and free-swimming phases.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed for this regional form, but the genus is widespread in the Amazon basin and the parent populations are not considered threatened. Most aquarium-trade specimens are tank-bred or sustainably collected.