Lilith Eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) Care Guide
Satanoperca lilith is an Amazonian eartheater cichlid distributed along the Solimões/Amazon channel, reaching about 20-25 cm.
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.