Satanoperca Acuticeps

Datasheet

General Description

The Satanoperca Acuticeps, commonly known as the Sharphead Eartheater, is a species within the Cichlidae family that is native to the central Amazon basin in Brazil. This species is unique within the genus for its adaptation to a partially pelagic existence, distinguishing features in mouth structure, and omnivorous feeding habits.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Sharphead Eartheater, it is essential to provide a base layer of sand due to its occasional substrate browsing behavior. Coarser materials like gravel can hinder feeding and pose health risks. Additional preferred tank features include dim lighting, driftwood, and scattered roots or branches. It is recommended to avoid leaf litter as it can lead to water quality issues caused by the feeding behavior of the fish. Water quality maintenance through proper filtration and regular water changes is crucial for the well-being of this species.

Behaviour

The Sharphead Eartheater exhibits peaceful behavior, except during the breeding period when they may display territorial tendencies. They prefer to live in groups of 5-8 individuals, forming a noticeable dominance hierarchy. Maintaining them in smaller numbers can lead to aggression towards weaker specimens or nervous behavior within the group.

Feeding and Diet

Being omnivorous, the Sharphead Eartheater's diet consists of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton, plant material, and organic detritus. In captivity, a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods, live or frozen organisms like Daphnia and Artemia, and vegetable-rich products such as Spirulina is recommended. Feeding them smaller portions multiple times a day encourages natural browsing behavior and enhances growth and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding the Sharphead Eartheater in captivity is rare, but they are biparental substrate spawners. Sexing this species is challenging, and it is advised to start with a group of young fish to allow pairs to form naturally. The female deposits eggs in a pit dug by the pair, which are then fertilized by the male. Incubation lasts 2-3 days, and both parents participate in guarding the fry post-hatching. Males tend to grow larger and develop longer dorsal fin extensions, while gravid females appear deeper-bodied.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Sharphead Eartheater is found in the central Amazon basin, inhabiting clear or turbid waters of the main river channels, smaller tributaries, and floodplain lakes. They prefer sandy or muddy substrates with leaf litter and submerged branches. Sympatric species in their habitat include various fish species such as Apistogramma and Symphysodon. The distribution range of this species spans from the rio Tapajós to the rio Purus in Brazil.

Etymology

The genus name "Satanoperca" is derived from the Ancient Greek words for "Satan" and "perch," while the species name "acuticeps" refers to the species' pointed head shape. The combination reflects unique characteristics of the Sharphead Eartheater within its genus.