White-Spotted Eartheater (Satanoperca leucosticta) Care Guide

Satanoperca leucosticta is an eartheater cichlid from the Guiana Shield, reaching about 13-15 cm and brooding larvae in the mouth.

Overview

Satanoperca leucosticta is an eartheater cichlid of the family Cichlidae, distinguished by white spotting on the flanks. According to Seriously Fish it reaches 130-150 mm standard length. Wikipedia notes that members of the genus feed by sifting mouthfuls of sand for invertebrates, plant material and detritus.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Satanoperca
Scientific name: Satanoperca leucosticta

Habitat

Seriously Fish records S. leucosticta from the Guiana Shield, including eastern Venezuela, Guyana, north-western Suriname and northern Brazil (Roraima). The original type locality was not given, though specimens are assumed to derive from the Rupununi River. It inhabits main river channels, tributaries and floodplain lakes over sand or mud substrates with leaf litter and submerged branches.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 350 L
Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °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. leucosticta as a benthophagic substrate feeder consuming small invertebrates and plant material. In aquaria it requires fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia and mosquito larvae, offered in three to four smaller portions daily.

Compatibility

Seriously Fish describes the species as surprisingly peaceful unless breeding, and gregarious; groups of five to eight individuals are recommended to spread aggression. 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. leucosticta is a larvophilous maternal mouthbrooder. Eggs hatch in about 36-48 hours, and larvae remain in the female's mouth for roughly seven to eight days before becoming free-swimming.