How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together and create a peaceful, balanced aquarium setup.
If you’ve ever been enchanted by a cool, earth-colored aquarium filled with delicate sand-sucking burrowers and playful bottom dwellers, you’ve already imagined what it would be like to keep Geophagus sveni and Corydoras together. I still remember the first time I saw a Geophagus gracefully sifting sand from its mouth while a group of Corys were busy cleaning up trash nearby. It was like watching a synchronized underwater ballet … peaceful, rhythmic, and strangely therapeutic … a perfect reminder of how such calming hobbies can enrich our sense of personal growth and lifestyle.
But before the wonderful harmony emerged… I had a burning question that every aquarist asks:
How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together?
It turns out the answer isn’t just a matter of numbers … it’s about understanding their natural behavior… tank dynamics… and social structure. So let’s take a deeper look at how to create the right environment for both species… based on real experience and the authentic science of aquarium keeping.
Meet the Stars: Geophagus sveni and Corydoras
Before deciding how many fish to keep… it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Geophagus sveni – The Gentle Sand Sifter
Native to the soft… tannin-rich rivers of South America… Geophagus sveni is a medium-sized cichlid known for its peaceful nature and charming habit of sifting through sand with its mouth to find food. They usually grow around 15–20 cm long and thrive in groups rather than individually.
Despite being cichlids… they are generally peaceful… especially when compared to their more aggressive cousins. However… they do establish territories … especially during breeding … which means aquarium placement and group size matter a lot.
Corydoras – The Cheerful Clean-up Crew
If there’s one fish that symbolizes teamwork and playfulness… it’s the Corydoras. These small… armored catfish are bottom dwellers who prefer to live in groups. Watching them run together is one of the joys of fishkeeping.
Most Corydoras species remain under 6 cm and spend their time scavenging uneaten food. They are incredibly peaceful and compatible with almost all non-aggressive species… including Geophagus sveni.
The Ideal Tank Size: Giving Everyone Room to Breathe
Here’s the golden rule: more water equals more stability and harmony.
Since both species live at the bottom or lower levels of the tank… they will share the same property. Overpopulation can lead to stress… dirty water… and territorial disputes … even among peaceful fish.
For Geophagus sveni and Corydoras… the minimum recommended aquarium size is 75 gallons (280 L)… but if you can increase that to 90–100 gallons… that’s even better.
Why so big? Because:
- Geophagus love to burrow and require open sandy areas.
- Corydoras need space to explore and move in shoals.
- You want enough space for decorations… driftwood… and plants without overcrowding.
In my 100-gallon setup… I noticed a huge difference after upgrading from a 55-gallon. The fish seemed calmer… colors deepened… and even feeding times became more organized instead of chaotic.
If you’re serious about creating balance… it’s worth revisiting the question … How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together in your specific tank size? The answer depends on how much space and structure you can provide.
How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together (The Magic Numbers)
Here’s the part you came for … the practical numbers.
| Species | Recommended Quantity | Reasoning |
| Geophagus sveni | 5–6 individuals | Group living reduces aggression and maintains a stable social hierarchy. |
| Corydoras (any peaceful species like Sterbai or Aeneus) | 6–10 individuals | Schooling fish that thrive in companionship; larger groups mean happier fish. |
Why These Numbers Work
Geophagus sveni are “shoaling” fish … they feel safer and show natural behaviors when kept in small groups. Keeping only one or two can make them anxious or territorial. A group of 5 or 6 spreads tension and creates a relaxed community.
Corydoras… on the other hand… rely heavily on social interaction. Groups smaller than six tend to stay hidden… while eight or more move actively… exploring and “dancing” at feeding time.
Example Setup
- 75–100 gallon tank
- 5 Geophagus sveni
- 8 Corydoras sterbai
This balance ensures harmony: Geophagus handle the mid-bottom layers while Corydoras sweep the substrate surface.
Substrate & Décor: Building Their Natural Playground
If there’s one thing you absolutely must get right… it’s the substrate. Both species spend a lot of time at the tank bottom.
Best Choice: Fine River Sand
Geophagus literally means “earth eater.” These fish scoop sand into their mouths and expel it through their gills while filtering for food. Coarse gravel can injure their mouths or gill covers.
Corydoras are no different … they have delicate barbels that get damaged by rough substrate. Fine sand mimics their natural environment and keeps both species comfortable.
Décor Ideas
- Driftwood and smooth rocks … provide shade and natural boundaries.
- Live plants … Anubias… Java Fern or Amazon Swords work perfectly.
- Hiding spots … essential for Corydoras to rest or retreat when stressed.
When I first set up my aquarium… I added a few large driftwood pieces and noticed the Geophagus immediately started sifting nearby… as if claiming it as their feeding zone. Meanwhile… the Corys gathered underneath… forming their own little social club.
Water Parameters: Recreating the Amazon at Home
Both Geophagus sveni and Corydoras come from soft… slightly acidic South American waters. Matching those conditions is vital for their well-being.
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Why It Matters |
| Temperature | 26–28°C (79–82°F) | Promotes healthy metabolism and color. |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 | Slightly acidic water reduces stress and disease. |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | Mimics natural soft-water habitat. |
| Filtration | Strong biological + mechanical | Geophagus stir substrate… so filtration must handle debris. |
Pro Tip: Use driftwood and Indian almond leaves to naturally soften and slightly acidify your water. The gentle amber tint from tannins adds a beautiful… natural aesthetic.
Feeding Time: Keeping Both Species Happy
Both species are bottom feeders but in different ways.
- Geophagus sveni: Sifts sand for small worms… crustaceans… or plant material.
- Corydoras: Scavenge leftovers and love sinking pellets or wafers.
Ideal Feeding Plan
- Morning: Sinking cichlid pellets or slow-sinking granules.
- Evening: Frozen bloodworms… brine shrimp… or daphnia.
- Weekly treat: Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Always ensure food reaches the bottom … surface flakes won’t help. Once I switched to slow-sinking granules… my Geophagus sveni became noticeably more active and healthier.
Temperament and Compatibility
One of the best traits of Geophagus sveni is their calm nature. Occasional sparring happens but is rarely harmful. Corydoras are even gentler… making this pair a dream for peaceful aquariums.
Avoid aggressive cichlids like Convicts or fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs. Keep enough space between territories… and you’ll rarely see issues.
If you ever wonder… How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together to maintain harmony… remember … group balance and environment are your real keys to success.
Maintenance: Keeping the Peace Clean
With Geophagus sveni constantly digging and Corydoras stirring sand… expect a lively substrate. Keep your water clean and balanced with:
- 30–40% weekly water changes
- Gentle substrate vacuuming (don’t overclean; leave beneficial microfauna)
- Regular filter maintenance
Personal Tip: I once over-cleaned the sand… and my Geophagus stopped sifting. Lesson learned … nature works best when you let it breathe a little.
A Personal Reflection
My first attempt wasn’t perfect. I started with three Geophagus sveni in a 55-gallon tank. Within weeks… one became dominant and bullied the others. The Corydoras hid constantly.
When I upgraded to a 90-gallon tank and added more of each species… everything changed. The Geophagus formed a peaceful hierarchy… the Corys explored freely… and the tank came to life. That’s when I truly understood How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together … not just in numbers… but in balance and behavior.
Key Takings
- If you’ve been wondering How Many Geophagus sveni and Corydoras Should Be Kept Together… the answer is all about space… care… and observation.
- Start with 5–6 Geophagus sveni and 6–10 Corydoras in a 75–100 gallon tank with fine sand… soft water… and stable conditions. Watch how they adapt… interact… and flourish.
- Once everything clicks… you’ll witness one of the most serene aquarium scenes imaginable … Geophagus gently turning over sand while Corydoras dance across the bottom… living proof that harmony underwater is more than possible … it’s breathtaking.
Additional Resources
- Aqueon – Corydoras Catfish Care Guide: Practical guide on caring for Corydoras, focusing on tank size, substrate choice, and water quality for healthy catfish.
- BRS Fresh – Corydoras: Beginner-friendly article explaining Corydoras behavior, diet, and compatibility, ideal for mixed aquariums with peaceful species.
