Jurupari Eartheater

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Bloat (GDV)

The Jurupari (Satanoperca jurupari) comes from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and reaches about 20 to 25 cm. It is the classic eartheater: an elongated, sandy-silver body with a sloping face and a downturned mouth built for sieving substrate. Despite the genus name meaning demon fish, a reference to the sand-sifting habit rather than the temperament, it is one of the most placid larger cichlids available. A group of five or six needs 400 litres or more at 25-29C, pH 5.5 to 7.5 in soft to moderately hard water, over a deep bed of fine sand with driftwood and open floor. Feed sinking pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and bloodworm in modest portions. It is a delayed mouthbrooder: the pair spawns on a cleaned surface and picks the eggs up a day or two later. Keep it in a group, since a lone fish becomes withdrawn, and give it real sand rather than gravel. Its only serious incompatibility is with aggressive cichlids, which will monopolise the food it takes time to sift for.

• How active is a Jurupari Eartheater?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Jurupari Eartheater need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Jurupari Eartheater need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Jurupari Eartheater a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Jurupari Eartheater live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Jurupari Eartheater?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Bloat (GDV). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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