Our Guide To Keeping Sven's Eartheater Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Geophagus sveni 'Rio Parana'
   • Common name: Sven's Eartheater, Sveni Eartheater
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Rio Parana River Basin, South America
   • Adult length: 20 cm
   • Lifespan: 8 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Sven's Eartheater requires a spacious tank with soft, sandy substrate for digging and sifting. A 250L tank is recommended for a pair.
   • Include rocks, driftwood, and tough plants for shelter, but avoid sharp edges that could injure them while sand-sifting.

3. Water Parameters:

   • This species prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Moderate water flow is best for Sven's Eartheater. Use a filter that provides steady but not overly strong currents.

5. Diet:

   • They are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. Offer high-quality sinking pellets as their primary food source.
   • Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae to mimic their natural diet.

6. Tank mates:

   • Sven's Eartheater are peaceful fish that cohabitate well with other non-aggressive species, including tetras, plecos, and other calm cichlids.
   • Avoid housing them with aggressive or territorial species that may cause stress.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their sand-sifting behavior. They are peaceful and do best in tanks with other calm fish.
   • It’s important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or overly dominant species.