All fish / Cichlidae

Three-spot Demon Eartheater

Satanoperca daemon

Also known as threespot eartheater, three spot demon eartheater, demon eartheater, daemon eartheater, satanoperca demon, geophagus daemon, three-spot geophagus, サタノペルカ・ダエモン, 三点珠母丽鱼, 三点珍珠豹

A tall-headed, golden to olive eartheater with two large black spots on the flank and one at the tail base, plus fine blue lines on the face. Keepers value it for its striking markings and its habit of sifting sand through its gills in calm groups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

25 cm

Temperature

26 to 31 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and small crustaceans

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Negro and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela

Breeding

It is a delayed mouthbrooder that lays eggs on a flat surface before the parents take the eggs or larvae into their mouths. Captive spawning is rare and usually needs very soft, acidic water and a settled pair.

Good to know

Very sensitive to nitrate and poor water quality, so it needs mature, soft acidic water, fine sand and large regular water changes. Grows large and should not be housed with boisterous or aggressive cichlids.