All fish / Cichlidae

Geophagus sveni

Geophagus sveni

Also known as sveni eartheater, geophagus sp. lago tucurui, tocantins eartheater, geophagus tucurui, geophagus sveni tocantins, ゲオファーグス・スベニー, 斯文珍珠豹

A large eartheater with a silvery to golden body, iridescent blue spangling on the head and fins, and a dark mid-body spot. It is kept for its calm group behaviour and its habit of sifting sand through its gills, which makes it a lively centrepiece for big South American tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrymp, vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Tocantins and Araguaia river basins

Breeding

It is a delayed mouthbrooder: eggs are laid on a stone, then the parents take the eggs or young larvae into their mouths. Breeding is fairly achievable in a spacious tank with soft, warm water and a settled group.

Good to know

Needs fine sand to sift and a large tank, as adults reach around 20 cm or more. Often confused with Geophagus altifrons and G. neambi, so check identity when buying.