Satanoperca jurupari — Jurupari Eartheater
Common Name: Jurupari Eartheater, Demon Eartheater
Scientific Name: Satanoperca jurupari
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: South America
SPECIES OVERVIEW
 
The Jurupari Eartheater is a peaceful and fascinating South American cichlid known for its distinctive habit of sifting fine substrate through its mouth in search of food. This natural feeding behaviour gives the species its common name, "Eartheater."
Satanoperca jurupari has an elongated, laterally compressed body with attractive silver-grey to brown coloration and subtle markings. When settled into a suitable aquarium, they are active, intelligent and highly rewarding fish to keep.
They are generally peaceful for a cichlid and can make an excellent addition to a larger South American community aquarium.
 
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Aquarium Size: 300 Litres
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Peaceful
Water Level: Bottom / Mid-Level
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Active
Social Behaviour: Best kept in groups when young
WATER PARAMETERS
Temperature: 24–29°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes and efficient filtration. Stable water conditions are particularly important for long-term health.
 
AQUARIUM SETUP
A fine sand substrate is strongly recommended. Jurupari Eartheaters naturally sift sand through their mouths while feeding, and coarse gravel can interfere with this behaviour or cause injury.
Provide plenty of open sand areas along with driftwood, smooth rocks and plants around the edges of the aquarium.
Good filtration and oxygenation are important, but avoid excessive currents across the substrate.
 
DIET & FEEDING
Jurupari Eartheaters are omnivorous and should be provided with a varied diet.
Suitable foods include:
High-quality sinking pellets
Sinking granules
Cichlid pellets
Frozen bloodworms
Mysis shrimp
Brine shrimp
Krill
Other suitable aquatic invertebrates
Feed smaller portions regularly rather than relying on large meals. Allow the fish to naturally sift through the substrate while feeding.
 
TANKMATES
Jurupari Eartheaters are relatively peaceful and are well suited to larger South American community aquariums.
Suitable tankmates can include:
Larger Tetras
Corydoras
Peaceful Plecos
Larger peaceful South American cichlids
Angelfish
Discus
Avoid highly aggressive or excessively territorial cichlids.
GROUP SIZE
When young, Jurupari Eartheaters are best kept in a group. Keeping several together allows them to establish a natural social hierarchy and can help them feel more secure.
As they mature, pairs or compatible groups can be maintained in sufficiently large aquariums.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Jurupari Eartheaters can reach approximately 25 cm in length and require a spacious aquarium as they mature.
Their natural sand-sifting behaviour is an important part of their feeding and should be accommodated when designing the aquarium.
A fine sand substrate, excellent water quality and a varied diet are key to keeping Satanoperca jurupari healthy and displaying natural behaviour.