Common Name: Sveni Eartheater Cichlid
Scientific Name: Geophagus sveni
Other Names: Sven’s Eartheater
The Sveni Eartheater Cichlid is a visually stunning freshwater fish known for its vibrant colors and unique feeding behavior. This species features a combination of bright blues, reds, and yellows on its body, making it a highly attractive addition to any aquarium.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Sveni Eartheater Cichlid is native to the rivers and floodplains of Brazil, particularly within the Rio Tocantins and Rio Araguaia basins. These fish inhabit slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy substrates and plenty of submerged vegetation and leaf litter, which provide ample hiding spots and feeding grounds.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Sveni Eartheater Cichlids can grow up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 10 to 12 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Sveni Eartheater Cichlids are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plant matter, detritus, and small invertebrates in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and fresh vegetables like peas and spinach. These cichlids are known for their peaceful and social behavior, often forming groups and sifting through the substrate to find food. They are best kept in groups of at least five to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Sveni Eartheater Cichlids in captivity is possible and can be rewarding. They are substrate spawners, with the female laying eggs on a flat surface such as a rock or piece of driftwood. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, showing strong parental care. To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots and flat surfaces for spawning, maintain optimal water conditions with regular water changes, and feed a varied diet to enhance their health and breeding readiness.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and social nature, Sveni Eartheater Cichlids require a medium to large aquarium, with a minimum of 55-75 gallons recommended for a group of adults. The tank should have a soft, sandy substrate to allow them to exhibit their natural sifting behavior. Include plenty of rocks, driftwood, and plants to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintaining water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Sveni Eartheater Cichlids are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other medium-sized community fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or highly territorial species that may cause stress or injury.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. While Sveni Eartheater Cichlids are hardy and adaptable, they require specific tank conditions and diet to thrive, making them suitable for aquarists with some experience. Their peaceful nature and striking appearance make them a great addition to community tanks.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
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Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
Additional Information:
- The Sveni Eartheater Cichlid’s vibrant colors and peaceful demeanor make it a standout addition to any community aquarium.
- They are known for their unique sifting behavior, often seen digging through the substrate in search of food, which can help keep the tank clean.
- Fun fact: These cichlids show strong parental care, with both parents actively guarding and tending to the eggs and fry, making them fascinating to observe during the breeding process.
