Demon Eartheater - Satanoperca jurupari : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Demon Eartheaters (Satanoperca jurupari) are a serene and visually captivating species of South American Cichlids that prove to be outstanding additions to medium to large community aquariums. Remarkably, these fish display a peaceful demeanour, showing no inclination towards preying on fish larger than a few millimetres long, except during their breeding phases.
When selecting compatible tankmates for Demon Eartheaters, a diverse range of options exists, particularly those that flourish in comparable environmental conditions and exhibit tranquil behaviour. However, prudence is essential when introducing aggressive or territorial substrate-dwelling species, as well as those that necessitate water with less acidic or mineral content.
Demon Eartheaters exhibit a strong social inclination and often congregate in loose groups, particularly outside of the breeding season, wherein juvenile specimens display prominent group instincts.
To foster a harmonious social structure, procuring a minimum of 5 to 8 individuals is advisable, facilitating the natural establishment of a hierarchical order. This ensures their social needs are met while also dispersing any minor aggression amongst the group, preventing any single fish from bearing the brunt of sporadic antagonistic behaviour.
These Cichlids necessitate a biologically mature and generously spacious aquarium, ideally furnished with a soft sand substrate to cater to their instinctual sifting behaviour while searching for food items. Ample hiding places, fashioned from intricately entangled driftwood and robust plantings cultivated on the wood, create an ideal environment. However, caution should be exercised against planting vegetation directly into the substrate, as it may be uprooted by the fish.
For optimal conditions, efficient filtration is recommended while ensuring the water movement remains gentle. The maintenance of excellent water quality is of paramount significance, as Demon Eartheaters are especially vulnerable to deteriorating water conditions and fluctuations in water chemistry. Inadequate maintenance practices may lead to health concerns, such as head and lateral line erosion, or hindered growth.
Demon Eartheaters exhibit a base colour ranging from tan to grey, adorned with subtle vertical banding and iridescent scales in shades of gold to green along their flanks. Furthermore, their operculum displays captivating patterns in iridescent gold to green hues, while their translucent fins feature various markings that add to their allure.
Demon Eartheater Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Demon Eartheaters is a relatively straightforward task. Adult females typically exhibit slightly smaller body sizes compared to males and are distinguishable by their deeper body shape when carrying eggs. Conversely, males tend to be larger, displaying enhanced colouration, and boast longer fins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Satanoperca jurupari |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1840 |
| Other Names | Jeweled Eartheater, Jurupari Eartheater |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Satanoperca |
| Origins | Colombia , Ecuador , Peru , Brazil |
| Max Size | 25 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | NA |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| ℉ | 74 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Demon Eartheater has a broad distribution across significant parts of the Amazon River basin, ranging from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to the mouth of the Amazon River in Amapá, Brazil. Additionally, it has been observed in eastern French Guiana and the Bolivian Amazon drainage, with the exception of the Rio Guaporé. Within these regions, the Demon Eartheater inhabits tranquil waters characterized by muddy substrates, favouring environments such as drainage channels, pools, streams, and coastal swamps.
Breeding
Demon Eartheaters are a fascinating example of maternal mouthbrooders that have been successfully bred in home aquariums. The spawning process does not seem to be triggered by any specific environmental cues; instead, providing a well-balanced diet and adhering to a rigorous maintenance regimen with relatively large weekly water changes are the primary requirements for encouraging breeding.
Given the challenging nature of sexing these fish accurately, starting with a group of young individuals and allowing natural pair formation is advisable. This process demands patience, as sexual maturity may take at least a year, often extending to two or more years.
Courtship behaviour is instigated by the male, with nuptial individuals establishing territories centred around objects such as driftwood. Gravid females are courted, and upon forming a pair, they may jointly defend their territory for a few days before spawning. To ensure a conducive breeding environment, the presence of other fishes, especially conspecifics, is not tolerated within the vicinity and may necessitate their removal from smaller aquariums.
The female deposits eggs in small batches, which are promptly collected and incubated in her mouth. This process is repeated until she carries several hundred eggs. In some instances, the male may also participate in egg-carrying, although it is typically short-lived, and the female is usually expelled from the territory after spawning, though certain males may display extended brood care behaviour.
After the fry has reached the free-swimming stage, it can be readily fed with high-quality powdered dry foods, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. When maintaining the adults within a community setup, it is prudent to remove brooding females to protect the vulnerable fry from becoming prey to other fishes, including conspecifics, upon release.
Diet & Feeding
The Demon Eartheater is an omnivorous species that primarily forage at the bottom of the aquarium; however, it will occasionally rise to the surface to consume frozen bloodworms or flake food. To maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, offering a diverse array of food types is recommended, including live, prepared, frozen, or freeze-dried options. Suitable food choices encompass brine shrimp, bloodworms, blackworms, krill, flake food, and soft, sinking Cichlid pellets.
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