Uaru Cichlid
Uaru amphiacanthoides
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 600 litres
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Species profile
Sveni Eartheater
Geophagus sveni
Common names: Sveni Eartheater, Sven’s Eartheater
Recognized speciesCichlids
Adult size
Up to 22 cm
Typical adult length 15–22 cm.
Up to 22 cm
Countries of origin
Good fit for your tank?
Good fit for
- Mature planted aquarium setups
- Intermediate shrimp keepers
Think carefully if
- The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
- The tank is newly cycled
- Water conditions change frequently
A colourful Brazilian eartheater that should be kept in a spacious group over fine sand.
Appearance and Identification
A silver-gold Geophagus with a dark flank spot, extensive blue-green iridescence, and red-orange striping in the fins.
It is often sold under other Geophagus names. Adult caudal pattern, flank spot, body shape, and Tocantins provenance are useful.
Males may become larger with longer fins and stronger colour, but juveniles are difficult to sex.
Tank Requirements
- Suggested filter
- About 1,600–2,000 litres an hour
- Suggested heater
- About 400–600 W for this tank
- Minimum tank volume
- 400 litres
- Minimum tank length
- 150 cm
- Minimum group size
- 5
- Recommended group size
- 6
- Activity level
- High
- Flow preference
- Moderate
- Planting preference
- Moderately planted
- Hiding places
- Yes
- Lid recommended
- Yes
- Jumping risk
- Low
Provide a broad fine-sand floor, powerful filtration, high oxygen, open swimming room, and a group of at least five.
Behaviour and Tankmates
Generally peaceful and social with temporary pair territoriality.
A group is essential for stable social behaviour.
Pairs defend a selected spawning site.
Use peaceful robust tank mates. Tiny fish and shrimp may be eaten.
Water Parameters
Warm soft to moderately mineralised water is suitable when clean and stable.
Parameter caveat
Avoid coarse substrate, small groups, and prolonged high nitrate.
Some links may earn us a commission on qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check suitability, price and availability with the seller. How affiliate links work
Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleaner
A manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Daraz NepalCheck availability on Daraz
Feeding
- Diet types
- Detritivore, Insectivore, Omnivore
- Feeding frequency
- Daily
- Preferred foods
- Quality sinking cichlid pelletUse a staple pellet appropriate to the fish size and mouth shape.
- Chopped shrimp, mussel, or earthwormOffer clean unseasoned portions as rotating protein foods.
- Blanched leafy greens or peasUseful for omnivorous and plant-eating species; remove leftovers promptly.
- Frozen krill or mysisFeed in moderation to add variety and support colour.
An omnivorous sand-sifter taking small invertebrates, detritus, and plant matter.
Spread several small sinking meals across the sand.
Breeding
- Breeding type
- Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
- Breeding difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding temperature
- 27 °C
- Breeding pH
- 6.5
- Brood or egg count
- Several hundred eggs.
- Incubation
- 3 days
- Parental care
- Biparental care
- Baby foods
- Newly hatched brine shrimpSuitable after yolk absorption for most cichlid fry.
- Crushed high-quality cichlid pelletIntroduce gradually as fry grow.
- Finely chopped frozen cyclopsUseful supplementary food for larger fry.
A biparental substrate spawner with both parents guarding the clutch and fry.
Habitat and Origin
- Geographic origin
- Amazon Basin, Brazil, South America
- Natural habitat
- Freshwater River, Sand/Mud Substrate
- Aquarium contexts
- Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Large Freshwater Aquarium
- Audience level
- Intermediate
Classification
- Profile type
- Recognized species
- Genus
- Geophagus
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Species group
- Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids
Have you kept this species?
You can write a note about what worked for you, or send a photograph. We check everything before it appears here.
Share a note or photo
Whitespot Eartheater
Satanoperca leucosticta
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Minimum tank
- 400 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Yellow Acara
Aequidens metae
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 12–18 cm
- Minimum tank
- 250 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Altifron Eartheater
Geophagus altifrons
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–27 cm
- Minimum tank
- 500 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C