Geophagus Sveni

🔹 Species: Geophagus sveni

Common Name: Sveni Eartheater

🔸 Description:

• A moderately sized eartheater cichlid with soft pastel colors, typically silvery-blue with light gold or reddish hues along the body and fins.

• Long, elegant dorsal and ventral fins.

• Named after Dr. Sven O. Kullander, a well-known ichthyologist.

🔸 Origin:

Rio Tocantins and Araguaia river basins, Brazil (South America)

🔸 Maximum Size:

15–20 cm (6–8 inches)

🔸 Temperament:

Peaceful; suitable for community tanks with other calm South American species. They are social and prefer to be in groups of 5 or more.

🔸 Aquarium Requirements:

• Tank Size: 250+ liters (65+ gallons) for a group

• Substrate: Fine sand (they sift constantly through it with their mouths)

• Décor: Driftwood, leaf litter, smooth rocks; open swimming space and hiding areas

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Soft to moderately hard water (dGH: 2–12)

🔸 Diet:

• Omnivorous: Will accept high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and a variety of frozen or live foods (like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).

• Sand-sifting feeders – avoid coarse substrate as it can damage their gill rakers.

🔸 Behavior & Tank Mates:

• Peaceful and social; best in a group of 5+ to reduce aggression and promote natural behavior.

• Good tank mates: other peaceful South American cichlids (like Severums), tetras, Corydoras, and Plecos.

• Avoid aggressive or very small fish.

🔸 Breeding:

• Biparental substrate spawners.

• Form monogamous pairs and lay eggs on flat surfaces.

• Parents care for eggs and fry, often moving them in their mouths for protection (not true mouthbrooders).