Satanoperca jurupari (Jurupari Eartheater)

Description:
The Satanoperca jurupari, commonly known as the Jurupari Eartheater, is a peaceful South American cichlid known for its substrate-sifting behavior. Its body is pale silver with subtle iridescent green and blue hues along the fins and body. This species is admired for its graceful swimming and natural feeding habits, where it filters fine sand in search of food particles.

Size:
Up to 10 inches (25 cm)

Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a single adult due to their size and active behavior. Larger tanks are ideal for groups.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76°F to 84°F (24°C to 29°C)

• pH: 5.5 to 7.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderate

Temperament:
Satanoperca jurupari are generally peaceful for their size and can be kept in community setups with other calm fish. However, they can become territorial during breeding.

Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 5 or more. Keeping them in larger groups helps reduce stress and aggression while encouraging natural behaviors.

Compatibility:
Ideal tankmates include other peaceful cichlids like Severums and Uaru, as well as larger tetras, rainbowfish, and peaceful catfish such as Plecos and Corydoras. Avoid small or delicate species that may be seen as food during sifting.

Diet:
Omnivorous. They are natural substrate sifters, feeding on small invertebrates and plant matter. In captivity, they thrive on high-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables.

Care Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require fine sand substrates to prevent damage to their delicate gills and optimal water quality with regular maintenance.

Planted Aquarium:
Satanoperca jurupari can be kept in planted tanks, but plants should be chosen carefully as their substrate-sifting behavior can uproot delicate plants. Hardy options like Anubias and Java Fern, attached to rocks or driftwood, work best.

Invertebrate Compatibility:
Not suitable for tanks with small invertebrates such as shrimp or snails, as they may be consumed during their sifting.

Additional Notes:
This species requires a sandy substrate to express their natural sifting behavior safely. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent choice for large, calm community tanks.

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.