WHITESPOT EARTHEATER (Satanoperca Leucosticta) 3+ inch

Satanoperca leucosticta, a very colorful variant of the Satanoperca jurupari species, is also known as the Demon Fish (Satanoperca), but more commonly, the Earth Eater: An active, beautiful, and generally peaceful Cichlid that is native to soft, acidic waters of the Amazon River basin in South America.

They have excellent markings, a great disposition, and they grow large enough to be kept with a lot of larger, more aggressive, cichlids. Earth Eaters are named for constantly sifting through sand and other substrate while in search of food. They have a base color of tan to gray, with slight, vertical banding and blue-green to red, iridescent scales on their flanks. They also have iridescent blue-green to red patterns on their operculum as well as a variety of markings of the same colors on their translucent fins.

Earth Eaters require an aquarium of at least 55 gallons and should be provided with a fine, sand substrate and multiple places where they can find shelter (driftwood, rock structures, or dense vegetation).

Earth Eaters will sift and burrow through sand and have been known to snack on some live plant species, so live plants that attach to driftwood and rocks, or potted plants are recommended. Earth Eaters prefer warm, soft, acidic, and clean water as well as areas of low or subdued lighting where they can sift around for snacks.

Earth Eaters prefer to live in groups and are relatively peaceful Cichlids that have been successful in a community environment, but are more commonly kept in species or biotope-specific aquariums (or housed with other Cichlids). Tank mates should be considered carefully and should be comparable in size.