Earth eater - Satanoperca jurupari

Scientific name: Satanoperca jurupari

Common name: Earth eater

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Earth eater (Satanoperca jurupari) is a peaceful South American cichlid specialized for sifting sand to find tiny invertebrates and detritus. Keep on a soft, fine sandy substrate—they take mouthfuls of sand, filter edible particles through their gills, and expel the rest. Provide open areas for foraging plus wood/leaf litter for cover. Best in groups (5–8 ) to spread mild hierarchies; very shy if kept singly.

Origin

South America—primarily slow to moderate waters in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, in sandy shallows and backwaters with leaf litter and soft, acidic to neutral water.

Food and feeding

An omnivorous bottom sifter, not strictly carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of quality sinking cichlid pellets/granules, defrosted foods (bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp, chopped shrimp) and occasional vegetable matter (spirulina flakes, blanched greens). Avoid fatty mammalian meats (e.g., beef heart) as staple foods. Feed smaller portions 1–2× daily so fish can sift naturally.

Sexing

External differences are subtle; females are often a little smaller and fuller-bodied when ripe. Venting remains the most reliable method.

Breeding

Typically a delayed oral incubator: the pair first lays and guards eggs on a cleaned patch of sand/flat stone; after hatching the larvae are taken into the mouth of a parent (varies by population; often the female) and carried for about 2–3 weeks until the fry are free-swimming and robust. Provide a quiet, sandy area and excellent water quality; start fry on newly hatched brine shrimp and fine powdered foods.

Lifespan

With good care, expect 8–12 years.

Behavior & compatibility

Generally peaceful and shy; suitable for calm community setups with medium, non-nippy tank mates (e.g., small characins, Corydoras, peaceful dwarf cichlids). Territoriality increases during spawning. Avoid boisterous fish that outcompete at feeding or disturb the sand bed.

Tank requirements

• Tank size: for adults and groups, think large footprint—300 L for a small group; bigger is better.
• Substrate: fine sand (essential for natural sifting); add leaf litter/wood for cover.
• Aquascape: open sandy foraging zones with scattered wood/roots; avoid sharp décor.
• Water: soft to moderate hardness, pH ~6.0–7.5; temperature 24–28 °C. Keep nitrate low and parameters stable.
• Filtration: robust biological filtration and gentle to moderate flow; frequent partial water changes.

Notes on identification

Trade fish labeled “S. jurupari” are often S. leucosticta or other members of the jurupari-group. Care is similar, but exact patterning and brood care roles can vary slightly among populations/species.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Another one was provided by Marvin.