Species profile
Geophagus Sveni
Geophagus sveni
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
500 L minimum aquarium
18–25 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Keep as a social group in a genuinely large footprint. A 180 × 60 cm base gives adults substantially better sifting and social space than nominal litre-only recommendations.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
1–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Usually manageable in a group but establishes a hierarchy. Breeding pairs become territorial; avoid cramped layouts where subordinate fish cannot leave the dominant pair's area.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
500 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Geophagus sveni
Alternative names
Geophagus Sveni, Sven's Eartheater
Native range
Brazil, Tocantins River basin.
Natural habitat
Warm South American river habitat with extensive sand areas. Use fine sand, excellent filtration, open floor space and wood/rock structure without sacrificing room for group foraging.
Diet & feeding
Sifting benthic omnivore. Feed small sinking foods, crustaceans, insect larvae and vegetable matter in several modest feeds; coarse gravel is unsuitable.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males tend to become larger with longer fin extensions; females are often smaller and fuller in breeding condition. Juvenile sexing is unreliable.
Breeding
Pair-forming substrate-spawning eartheater with intensive parental care. Provide broad sand/flat areas and expect territoriality to rise sharply around spawning.