Jurupari Eartheater (Satanoperca jurupari) Care Guide
Satanoperca jurupari is a peaceful sand-sifting eartheater cichlid from the Amazon basin, reaching about 15-18 cm standard length.
Overview
Satanoperca jurupari is an eartheater cichlid of the family Cichlidae. According to Seriously Fish it reaches 150-185 mm standard length and is one of the most widely kept members of the genus. Wikipedia notes that Satanoperca are sand-sifters that pick up mouthfuls of substrate to extract food items.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Satanoperca
- Scientific name: Satanoperca jurupari
Habitat
Seriously Fish records S. jurupari from the Amazon basin across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, with a type locality at the mouth of the Rio Negro. It inhabits main river channels, tributaries and floodplain lakes over sandy or muddy substrates with leaf litter and submerged branches. Seriously Fish notes that S. jurupari represents a species complex, with several populations possibly forming distinct taxa.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 25-30 °C (77-86 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes S. jurupari as a benthophagic substrate sifter that consumes small invertebrates such as cladocerans, ostracods and chironomid larvae, alongside plant material and detritus. In aquaria it accepts fine-grade prepared foods and small frozen foods including bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, fed in three to four daily portions.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes the species as peaceful except when breeding, gregarious and forming dominance hierarchies; groups of five to eight individuals are recommended. The KB record lists severum, festivum, discus, angelfish and bristlenose pleco as compatible, while aggressive cichlids and very small tetras are best avoided.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, S. jurupari is an ovophilous maternal mouthbrooder. Pairs form territories around driftwood, and the female collects the fertilised eggs into her mouth. Fry accept powdered foods and Artemia nauplii once free-swimming.