
Earth Eater Satanoperca
Satanoperca leucosticta
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: Various
Earth Eater Satanoperca (Satanoperca leucosticta) is a peaceful cichlid reaching 10 inches. Keep in groups of 3+. Minimum tank: 75 gallons.
Is Earth Eater Satanoperca Right for Your Tank?
Earth Eater Satanoperca is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. They need at least 75 gallons — a mid-size tank commitment. Plan your space accordingly.
With a peaceful temperament, Earth Eater Satanoperca makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 3 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 12 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Earth Eater Satanoperca
Keeping fewer than 3 together
Earth Eater Satanoperca is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 3 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Earth Eater Satanoperca needs 77–84°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.
Putting them in a tank under 75 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Earth Eater Satanoperca requires at least 75 gallons — ideally 113. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 10"
- • Temp: 77-84°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Keep 3+ together
- • peaceful temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet for Cichlidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Cichlidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 75 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 113 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 3+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 77–84°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- fast
Typical peaceful Cichlidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 12 years
Ideal For
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