Lilith Eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) Care Guide
Satanoperca lilith is an Amazonian eartheater cichlid distributed along the Solimões/Amazon channel, reaching about 20-25 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Satanoperca lilith is an eartheater cichlid of the family Cichlidae and a close relative of S. daemon. According to Seriously Fish it reaches 200-255 mm standard length. Wikipedia lists it under the common name one-spotted eartheater and notes the genus feeds by sifting sand for food.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Satanoperca
- Scientific name: Satanoperca lilith
Habitat
Seriously Fish records S. lilith as widely distributed along the Solimões/Amazon main channel in Brazil, with a type locality at Urumari in the Rio Negro drainage, Amazonas State. It inhabits black and clearwater main river channels, smaller tributaries, oxbows and floodplain lakes over sandy or muddy substrates.
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 S. lilith as a benthophagic eartheater that sifts substrate for food. In aquaria it should be fed three to four small daily portions of fine-grade prepared foods, bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, with vegetable matter such as Spirulina included.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes the species as surprisingly peaceful when not breeding; it will not predate on fish larger than a few millimetres and suits peaceful species kept in similar conditions. The KB record lists discus, angelfish, severum and bristlenose pleco as compatible, while aggressive cichlids and very small tetras are best avoided.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, breeding remains unreported for this species, but it is assumed to be a biparental substrate-spawner like its closest relative S. daemon.
Satanoperca lilith Breeding Guide
Overview
Satanoperca lilith is an eartheater known from Brazil, where it is widely distributed along the Solimões/Amazon main channel between the río Japurá and río Tapajós, including the Ríos Negro, Branco, Madeira and Trombetas. Its reproduction is unreported but assumed to be biparental substrate-spawning, like that of its closest relative S. daemon. It is a demanding fish that is extremely susceptible to deteriorating water quality.
Sexing
External differences are minimal. Males typically attain larger sizes, while females tend to have slightly deeper bodies. Because reliable visual sexing is difficult, growing out a group and observing pair formation is the practical approach.
Conditioning
A biologically mature aquarium and strict water-quality management are essential, since the species is highly sensitive to poor conditions. Adults are conditioned on a varied diet appropriate for an omnivorous eartheater before any spawning attempt.
Breeding Setup
- Soft water with low hardness (reported general range around 18-179 ppm).
- Temperature in the maintenance range of 20-28 °C; pH 5.0-7.5, biased toward the softer, more acidic end for spawning.
- Fine sand substrate and clean, well-prepared flat surfaces suited to a substrate-spawning cichlid.
- A spacious, stable, mature tank, since deteriorating water quality is poorly tolerated.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Specific spawning details for S. lilith are not documented in the sources reviewed. Based on its closest relative, it is expected to clean a substrate surface and spawn as a biparental pair, with both adults participating in brood care.
Common Challenges
The main difficulties are the lack of documented aquarium spawning records, the need for very stable, soft water, and subtle sexing. The recorded breeding type for this species is substrate-spawner, consistent with the assumed biparental substrate-spawning strategy noted by the source.