Description
The Satanoperca daemon is rare in the aquarium hobby, commonly known as the Demon Eartheater, is a striking South American cichlid found in slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon basin. This species is admired for its unique sifting behaviour and vibrant body coloration, making it a standout in large, well-maintained aquaria. Though less common in the hobby than its relative Satanoperca jurupari, the daemon offers an engaging personality and complex care requirements that appeal to experienced aquarists.
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Features of a Satanoperca Daemon
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Grows up to 25 cm in length
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Elongated body with iridescent silver scales and red-tinted fins
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Distinctive black spot on the caudal peduncle
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Subterminal mouth adapted for sand-sifting
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Displays peaceful behaviour but can become territorial during spawning
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Slow-growing, long-lived species with proper care
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Males may exhibit extended dorsal and anal fin filaments
The Best Aquarium Size for Satanoperca Daemon
A minimum tank size of 500 litres is recommended for a small group of Satanoperca daemon. They are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of 5–6 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Suitable aquariums to consider include:
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Tank Mate Compatibility for Satanoperca Daemon
Compatible species should be peaceful, similarly sized, and tolerant of the warm, soft water conditions this cichlid requires. Suitable tank mates include:
Diet for Satanoperca Daemon
As omnivorous substrate sifters, Satanoperca daemon thrive on a varied diet:
High-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis, live blackworms as occasional treats, and blanched vegetables such as spinach or peas. Avoid floating foods, as they prefer foraging from the substrate.
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Aquarium Setup for Satanoperca Daemon
Aquarium Filtration
Robust, multi-stage filtration is essential to maintain pristine water conditions. A canister filter with a flow rate of at least 5x the tank volume per hour is ideal.
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Aquarium Plants
Use hardy, rooted plants like Echinodorus or floating species like Salvinia. Substrate digging may uproot delicate plants.
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Aquarium Lighting
Moderate lighting helps reduce stress and supports plant growth without encouraging excessive algae. Consider Zetlight LED aquarium lighting that is adjustable.
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Aquarium Heating
Maintain a stable water temperature between 26°C and 30°C using a reliable heater with thermostat control.
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Aquarium Substrate
A fine sand substrate is critical to allow for natural sifting behaviour and prevent mouth injuries.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
Aquarium Decorations
Include smooth driftwood, rounded stones, and leaf litter to mimic their natural biotope and provide hiding spots without sharp edges.
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