AQUARIUM ARTS
Satanoperca daemon (Demon Eartheater)
Satanoperca daemon (Demon Eartheater)
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Description:
The Satanoperca daemon, commonly known as the Demon Eartheater, is a captivating South American cichlid admired for its elongated body, subtle iridescent green and gold scales, and a series of dark spots along its body. This species is known for its substrate-sifting behavior, where it scoops up sand to filter food, a behavior that adds both activity and uniqueness to the aquarium.
Size:
Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a single adult due to their size and need for swimming space. For groups, a larger tank is required.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 76°F to 84°F (24°C to 29°C)
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pH: 5.5 to 7.0
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Hardness: Soft
Temperament:
Satanoperca daemon are generally peaceful for their size but can become territorial, especially during breeding. They are best suited for calm, well-structured aquariums.
Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 5 or more. Larger groups help disperse minor aggression and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Compatibility:
Suitable tankmates include other peaceful to semi-aggressive cichlids such as Uaru, Severums, and Geophagus species. They can also be kept with larger tetras and peaceful catfish. Avoid small fish that could be seen as prey.
Diet:
Omnivorous. They thrive on a varied diet of sinking cichlid pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini. Their natural substrate-sifting behavior makes a fine, sandy substrate ideal.
Care Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require clean, soft water with low nitrates and a fine substrate to prevent damage to their delicate gills.
Planted Aquarium:
They can be kept in planted aquariums, but due to their substrate-sifting nature, hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern attached to rocks and driftwood work best.
Invertebrate Compatibility:
Not suitable for tanks with small invertebrates such as shrimp or small snails, as they may be consumed during their sifting behavior.
Additional Notes:
This species requires a fine sand substrate to prevent injury while sifting. Provide ample open swimming space along with driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural Amazonian habitat.
Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.
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