Edit Satanoperca pappaterra

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Name

Scientific name

Satanoperca pappaterra

Described by

Authority Heckel, Year 1840, Bracketed

Family

Cichlidae

Common names

Pantanal Eartheater

Photograph credits

All 9 credited

Summary

The Pantanal eartheater, Satanoperca pappaterra, is a cichlid from the rio Guaporé and upper rio Paraguai basins in Brazil, Bolivia and Par…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

200mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 210 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5

Hardness

2–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Alegre, Amazon, Branco, Cuiabá, Guaporé, Itonomas, Machupo, Mamore, Manso, Paraguay, Paraná, Piquiri, San Martin, Tietê

Writing

Etymology

Satanoperca: from the Ancient Greek Σατάν (Satán), meaning 'Satan' (the devil), and πέρκη (pérkē), meaning 'perch'. pappaterra: from a local vernacular name fo…

Distribution

Originally native to the rio Guaporé in Brazil and Bolivia (where it is known as the Río Iténez) and the upper rio Paraguai in Brazil and northern Paraguay, th…

Habitat

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

Aquarium size

An aquarium with a base measuring at least 210 ∗ 60 cm 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…

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 pebbles can inhibit feeding, damage gill filaments and even be ingested with the potential of internal damage or blockages.

Additional furnishings are as much a case of personal taste as anything else but the most favoured set-ups tend to feature relatively dim lighting plus some chunks of driftwood and scattered roots or branches.

Leaf litter is a typical feature of the natural environment but not really recommended in aquaria because the feeding behaviour of Satanoperca spp. tends to cause an excess of partially-decomposed material in suspension which not only looks unsightly but can block filter and pump mechanisms.

Water quality is of the utmost importance since these cichlids are extremely susceptible to deteriorating water quality and swings in chemical parameters so should never be introduced to a biologically immature aquarium. S. daemon also requires soft, acidic conditions and in most cases will not thrive in untreated tap water.

The best way to achieve the desired stability is to filter the tank using a combination of external canister filters and/or a sump system and perform minimum weekly water changes of 50-70%.

If the maintenance regime is insufficient health issues such as head and lateral line erosion or stunted growth can occur.

Mechanical filtration should also be tailored to trap small particles stirred up by the fish as sand can cause blockages and wearing issues with filter mechanisms if allowed to continually run through the system. High flow rates should be avoided so position filter returns accordingly.

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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 pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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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 …

Notes

S. pappaterra is relatively rare in the ornamental trade and much sought after by enthusiasts. It is easily distinguished from all known congeners by presence …

References

10 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References