Mapirito Eartheater (Satanoperca mapiritensis) Care Guide
Satanoperca mapiritensis is an eartheater cichlid from the lower Orinoco basin in Venezuela, reaching about 12-15 cm.
Overview
Satanoperca mapiritensis is an eartheater cichlid of the family Cichlidae. According to Seriously Fish it reaches 120-150 mm standard length and belongs to the S. jurupari species group. Wikipedia notes that the genus feeds by sifting mouthfuls of sand for invertebrates, plant material and detritus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Satanoperca
- Scientific name: Satanoperca mapiritensis
Habitat
Seriously Fish records S. mapiritensis from the lower Río Orinoco basin in Venezuela (Anzoátegui, Monagas and Bolívar states), with a type locality at Río Mapirito south of Maturín, Monagas. It inhabits main river channels, smaller 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: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes S. mapiritensis as a benthophagic eartheater that sifts substrate for small invertebrates. The diet should include fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia and mosquito larvae, alongside vegetable matter, offered in three to four smaller daily portions.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes the species as surprisingly peaceful unless breeding and gregarious, forming loose aggregations; groups of five to eight individuals are recommended. The KB record lists severum, festivum, discus and bristlenose pleco as compatible, while aggressive cichlids and very small tetras are best avoided.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, reproduction is unconfirmed for this species, although members of the S. jurupari group are mouthbrooders.