Our Guide To Keeping Geophagus sveni Cichlid

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Geophagus sveni
   • Common name: Sven's Eartheater
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: South America, primarily river basins in Brazil
   • Adult length: 15-20 cm
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful (but can be territorial during breeding)

2. Tank Setup:

   • Provide a spacious tank with a sandy substrate, as Geophagus sveni love to sift through the sand in search of food.
   • Include plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves to reduce stress and provide breeding areas.
   • Add hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern, but be aware they may uproot plants while sifting through the substrate.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
   • Soft to moderately hard water is preferred, with good water quality maintained through regular water changes.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Provide a strong and efficient filtration system to handle the bioload of these large fish.
   • Moderate water flow is ideal, mimicking their natural riverine habitat.

5. Diet:

   • Geophagus sveni are omnivores and require a varied diet. Feed them high-quality sinking pellets as a staple.
   • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, along with occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

6. Tank mates:

   • Compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive South American cichlids, as well as larger tetras, catfish, and plecos.
   • Avoid housing them with small or very aggressive fish, as they may become targets or intimidate smaller tank mates.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Geophagus sveni are generally peaceful and thrive in groups of 5 or more, which helps reduce aggression and promotes natural behaviors.
   • They are known for their fascinating sand-sifting behavior, making them a joy to watch in the aquarium.
   • During breeding, they may become territorial, so provide ample space and hiding spots to minimize conflicts.