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.
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.