Sharp-Headed Eartheater (Satanoperca acuticeps) Care Guide
Satanoperca acuticeps is a sand-sifting eartheater cichlid from the central Amazon basin in Brazil, reaching about 14-17 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Satanoperca acuticeps is an eartheater cichlid of the family Cichlidae. Wikipedia places the genus Satanoperca in the subfamily Cichlinae, tribe Geophagini, and notes its members are popularly called eartheaters because they feed by sifting mouthfuls of sand. According to Seriously Fish, S. acuticeps reaches 140-170 mm standard length and is distinguished within the genus by its pointed head profile.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Satanoperca
- Scientific name: Satanoperca acuticeps
Habitat
Seriously Fish records S. acuticeps from the central Amazon basin in Brazil, with a type locality at Manaus, occurring in the Amazon main channel and tributaries between the rios Tapajós and Tefé. Unlike some congeners, it tends to inhabit clear or turbid water rather than tannin-stained, nutrient-poor blackwater, over sand or mud substrates with leaf litter and submerged branches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.0
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as omnivorous, consuming aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton, plant material and detritus. In aquaria it takes fine-grade prepared foods plus live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia and mosquito larvae, offered in three to four small daily portions.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes S. acuticeps as surprisingly peaceful outside breeding and gregarious, forming loose aggregations. A minimum group of five to eight is recommended to spread aggression and establish a dominance hierarchy. The KB record suggests discus, angelfish, severum and bristlenose pleco as compatible, while aggressive cichlids and very small tetras are best avoided.
Breeding
Seriously Fish reports the species as a biparental substrate-spawner that is rarely bred in aquaria, with an incubation period of about two to three days. Successful spawning requires space, an appropriate diet and stringent water maintenance.
Satanoperca acuticeps Breeding Guide
Overview
Satanoperca acuticeps is a demon eartheater native to the central Amazon basin in Brazil, including the main Amazon channel and tributaries between the Rio Tapajos and Tefe, plus the lower Rio Negro and Rio Branco. According to Seriously Fish it is a biparental substrate-spawner that is very rarely bred in aquaria. The species record lists it as a mouthbrooder, but the source describes substrate spawning in an excavated pit; this guide follows the source.
Sexing
Sexing is very difficult. Males tend to grow slightly larger and develop longer filamentous extensions on the posterior dorsal-fin rays, while females become noticeably deeper-bodied when gravid. Growing on a group is the practical way to obtain a pair.
Conditioning
No specific spawning trigger has been identified. The main requirements are sufficient space, a suitable diet and a stringent maintenance regime. Maturity takes at least a year.
Breeding Setup
- Soft sand allowing the pair to excavate a pit; a large aquarium for this big, blackwater species
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (KB record range)
- pH: 4.5-6.0 (KB record range, strict blackwater)
- Hardness: 1-4 °dGH (KB record range)
- Stringent maintenance with regular water changes
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair selects a site and excavates a large pit, within which spawning takes place: the female deposits batches of eggs and the male follows to fertilise them. No specific environmental trigger is identified beyond space, diet and maintenance.
Egg & Fry Care
Incubation is 2-3 days. Both adults guard the brood, though the female spends most time with the eggs and the male defends the surrounding territory; in some cases the female continues alone. Fry accept Artemia nauplii and microworm as soon as the free-swimming stage is reached, and eggs or fry can alternatively be transferred for artificial rearing.
Common Challenges
This is a strict blackwater species requiring very soft, acidic and clean water, which makes conditioning demanding. It is very rarely bred, sexing is unreliable, and a large space is needed for the pit-spawning, territorial pair.