Edit Satanoperca jurupari

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Name

Scientific name

Satanoperca jurupari

Described by

Authority Heckel, Year 1840

Family

Cichlidae

Summary

The demon eartheater, Satanoperca jurupari, is a cichlid recorded throughout much of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

185mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 210 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5

Hardness

2–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru

Supporting text

Etymology

Satanoperca: from the Ancient Greek Σατάν (Satán), meaning 'Satan' (the devil), and πέρκη (pérkē), meaning 'perch'. jurupari: derived from jurupari pindi, a ve…

Distribution

Recorded throughout much of the Amazon river basin in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia (and possibly the Orinoco watershed in Colombia and Venezuel…

Habitat

Has been observed in main river channels, smaller tributaries and floodplain lakes, typically over substrates of sand or mud with patches of leaf litter and su…

Aquarium size

An aquarium with a base measuring at least 210 ∗ 60 cm84 ∗ 24 in or equivalent is required.

Maintenance

The most essential item of décor is a soft, sandy substrate so that the fish can browse naturally (see 'Diet'). Coarser materials such as gravel or small pebbl…

Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Satanoperca spp. are benthophagous by nature, employing a method of feeding whereby mouthfuls of substrate are taken and sifted for edible items with the remai…

Behaviour and compatibility

Unless breeding this species is surprisingly peaceful and will not predate on fishes larger than a few millimetres in length. Suitable tankmates are numerous a…

Sexual dimorphism

Adult females tend to grow slightly smaller than males and are deeper-bodied when gravid.

Reproduction

This species is an ovophilous maternal mouthbrooder that has been bred in aquaria. There does not appear to be any particular trigger for the spawning process …

This species is an ovophilous maternal mouthbrooder that has been bred in aquaria. There does not appear to be any particular trigger for the spawning process with the main requirements being good diet and stringent maintenance regime involving relatively large weekly water changes.

Since accurate sexing is very difficult it is perhaps best to begin with a group of young fish and allow pairs to form naturally, while a degree of patience is also required since it can be at least a year, often two or more, until they become sexually mature.

Courtship is initiated by the male, with nuptial individuals forming territories which are typically centred around a piece of driftwood or other solid object. Gravid females are courted and when a pair forms they may defend the territory together for a few days prior to spawning. Other fishes, especially conspecifics, are not tolerated in the vicinity and in smaller aquaria may need to be removed.

Eggs are deposited in small batches and once fertilised immediately collected by the female, the process normally being repeated until she is carrying several hundred. In some cases the male may also pick up some eggs but does not usually hold them for long, and the female is normally ejected from the territory soon after spawning is complete although apparently some males do display extended brood care behaviour.

Once the fry are free swimming they are easily-fed, accepting good quality powdered dry foods, Artemia nauplii, microworm, etc.

If maintaining the adults in a community situation it is recommended to remove brooding females since the fry become easy prey for other fishes, including conspecifics, once released.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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Notes

S. jurupari is also known as 'demon fish', 'jurupari earth eater', 'green horse face', or simply 'jurupari' in the aquarium hobby. It can be distinguished from…

References

9 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References