Sveni Eartheater - Geophagus sveni : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Sveni Eartheater (Geophagus sveni), with its gentle nature and captivating appearance, is an excellent choice for aquarists, particularly beginners. Originating from South America, these Cichlids are known for their tranquil demeanour, distinguishing them from the more aggressive African Cichlids.
While generally mild-mannered, Sveni Eartheaters can exhibit some aggression towards smaller species. To ensure harmonious coexistence, it is advisable to maintain a group of individuals of similar size. Uneven growth within the group can lead to the bullying of smaller tank mates.
When selecting tank mates, peaceful South American Cichlids, large Tetras, and larger Barbs make compatible companions. Other suitable choices include Red Fin Plecos, Red Spotted Severums, Keyhole Cichlids, and various Catfish species. Surprisingly, despite their sand-sifting behaviour, Sveni Eartheaters can peacefully cohabit with bottom-dwelling species, including many types of Catfish, owing to their relaxed nature.
Being a schooling species, Sveni Eartheaters thrive when kept in groups of five or more individuals. Due to their medium to large maximum size, providing an aquarium with a minimum capacity of 300 litres is recommended. To accommodate their specific needs, a deep and soft sandy substrate devoid of sharp objects is essential to prevent any harm to their delicate mouth and gills.
Incorporating hardscapes such as rocks and bogwood into the setup offers hiding places for this species. It is crucial to position hardscape elements before adding substrate to maintain stability and prevent potential injuries to the fish caused by dislodged objects.
The digging behaviour of Sveni Eartheaters can pose challenges to maintaining a planted tank, as rooted plants may be uprooted or displaced. Additionally, the preferred soft and sandy substrates are not conducive to optimal plant growth. An effective solution is to keep rooted plants in pots or opt for epiphytes like Anubias and Java Fern, which do not require soil and can be attached to hardscape elements.
As with many Cichlids, Sveni Eartheaters tend to produce waste, necessitating efficient filtration. This becomes particularly vital when housing multiple specimens. Selecting a filtration system with ample capacity to maintain pristine water conditions is crucial. A turnover rate of at least five times the tank volume per hour, or potentially higher, is recommended. Regular water changes and water chemistry monitoring are essential to provide the necessary support for the species' well-being.
Notably, the Sveni Eartheater's vibrant colouration sets it apart. Adorned with bright red, blue, and green hues, long flowing filamentous fin extensions, and striking tall spiked dorsal fins, they are arguably the most visually captivating among the Geophagus species. Further enhancing their allure are five subtle undivided vertical bars, black vertical bars on the caudal fin, and a mid-lateral blotch. These remarkable characteristics make them captivating centrepiece fish, commanding attention and adding splendour to any aquarium.
Sveni Eartheater Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sexual dimorphism of Sveni Eartheaters can be pretty challenging until the breeding phase begins. At that point, observable distinctions between the males and females become more evident. Typically, the males exhibit a slightly more vibrant colouration, and their fins tend to be longer and more pointed in comparison to their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Geophagus sveni |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2010 |
| Other Names | Sven's Eartheater Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Geophagus |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 25 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 15 |
| TDS | 50 - 100 |
| ℉ | 76 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
Sveni Eartheaters are indigenous to the Tocantins River Basin in Brazil, a beautiful region of South America. These remarkable fish can be found in close proximity to river banks, gracefully navigating their way through the verdant rooted vegetation that adorns the landscape.
Breeding
To successfully breed Sveni Eartheaters, facilitating the formation of pairs is of utmost importance. This can be achieved most effectively in a spacious aquarium with multiple specimens, allowing for careful observation of the group dynamics to identify potential pairing behaviour.
Once two individuals show signs of pairing off, it is crucial to separate them into a designated breeding tank where they can engage in spawning activities and rear their fry undisturbed. Notably, Geophagus Sveni follows the mouthbrooding reproductive strategy, where the female carries and protects the eggs and fry in her mouth until they reach a free-swimming stage.
A suitable breeding tank for Sveni Eartheaters should be equipped with appropriate spawning substrates, such as flat rocks or pottery, which serve as preferred surfaces for egg deposition. Typically, flat pieces of slate laid upon a sandy substrate are favoured choices for egg-laying surfaces.
During the courtship ritual, which entails circling, fin slapping, and mouth-locking, the pair will select and prepare the chosen surface to receive the eggs. While flat rocks are commonly preferred, there may be instances where the fish excavate the sand, revealing the underlying glass bottom of the tank as an alternative spawning site.
Once the eggs have been laid and fertilized, both parents diligently guard them for approximately one to two days before the female assumes the responsibility of mouthbrooding. The female will carry the developing eggs in her mouth until they hatch and the fry gains the ability to swim freely. At this point, the parents can be removed from the tank, allowing the fry to progress to the next stage of their development.
To nourish the growing fry, it is essential to provide suitable food options. This can include specialized commercially prepared fry food specifically formulated for small fish and live foods such as small brine shrimp, microworms, or vinegar eels. As the fry continues to mature, they will gradually transition to consuming small, sinking Cichlid foods tailored to their dietary requirements.
Diet & Feeding
Sveni Eartheaters have specific dietary requirements that distinguish them from other members of their family. These remarkable fish necessitate smaller-sized food, even as fully-mature adults, highlighting the importance of providing them with small to medium-sized offerings.
As avid sand-sifters, ensuring the provision of sinking foods is crucial, allowing them to engage in their natural feeding behaviour. While floating pellets may be suitable for certain Cichlids, avoiding their use with Geophagus Sveni is recommended.
These fish have distinct preferences, and the utilization of sinking, pelletized omnivore food forms the foundation of their diet. Being versatile omnivores, Geophagus Sveni can also relish occasional treats of meaty fares, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, which add variety and nutritional value.
It is worth noting, however, that caution should be exercised when offering chopped frozen shrimp, as it may present potential challenges if not properly managed.
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