Satanoperca Daemon SMALL

🐟 Satanoperca daemon — Original Care Guide

Known for its striking appearance and thoughtful demeanor, Satanoperca daemon is a large South American cichlid often grouped with the "eartheaters," though it is somewhat more specialized than its Geophagus cousins. With a subtle metallic body, pronounced facial markings, and an unmistakable eye-spot on the gill cover, this species is both visually striking and behaviorally unique. It requires precise care, especially in water quality and social structure.

🌍 Natural Habitat

• Region: Amazon Basin — Brazil, Colombia, and parts of Peru

• Environment: Clear or blackwater rivers and streams with sandy bottoms, submerged roots, and high levels of leaf litter

• Water Conditions: Warm, soft, acidic water with minimal suspended debris

• Wild Behavior: Peaceful yet deliberate, sifting sand for tiny invertebrates and organic matter while remaining alert and methodical in movement

🏡 Tank Environment

• Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum for a small group; larger for long-term success

• Substrate: Fine, clean sand is absolutely essential — this species relies heavily on sifting behavior for feeding and comfort

• Decor:

  • Smooth driftwood, tumbled stones, and scattered botanicals (e.g., Indian almond leaves)

  • Avoid dense decorations — open space for foraging is more important than clutter

• Filtration: High-efficiency filtration is critical; this species is sensitive to poor water conditions and suspended particles

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate flow; supplemental oxygenation is helpful

• Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting helps reduce stress and enhances natural coloration

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25.5–29°C)

• pH: 5.0–6.5 — acidic conditions closely resemble their native waters

• Hardness: 0–5 dGH (very soft water preferred)

• Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate: 0 ppm for all; this species is highly sensitive to nitrogen compounds

• Water Change Schedule: 30–40% weekly, with gentle acclimation practices

🍴 Feeding and Diet

Satanoperca daemon is a micro-predator and detritivore, evolved to capture small prey hidden in the substrate.

• Staple Foods:

  • Soft sinking pellets for carnivorous or omnivorous cichlids

  • Protein-rich wafers formulated for sand-sifting species

• Fresh/Frozen Foods:

  • Bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

• Feeding Behavior:

  • Prefers slow-sinking food that settles into sand

  • Will "chew" the sand and expel it through the gills after sorting edible particles

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day, with occasional fast days to reduce waste

🤝 Temperament and Tankmates

• Disposition: Shy but peaceful; not aggressive but can be defensive when startled

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5–7 to promote natural schooling and reduce nervous behavior

• Compatible Tankmates:

  • Other peaceful cichlids (e.g., Geophagus, Heros, Uaru)

  • Large, calm tetras (e.g., Congo, bleeding heart)

  • Passive bottom dwellers like Corydoras or Rineloricaria

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or fast-moving fish

  • Fin-nippers and rough tankmates

  • Other Satanoperca species unless the tank is very large and well-structured

🐣 Breeding Behavior

• Breeding Type: Delayed mouthbrooder

• Courtship Behavior:

  • Spawning begins with pit-digging and substrate cleaning

  • Eggs are laid in a pit or flat surface and quickly taken into the parent's mouth (usually the female)

• Parental Care:

  • Fry are released in short bursts to forage, then recollected

  • Parents are extremely attentive during brooding and require peace during this period

• Raising Fry:

  • Infusoria or liquid fry food at first, followed by baby brine shrimp

  • Keep separate from other tankmates for best survival rates

⚠️ Special Considerations

• Stress-Prone: This species does not handle crowding, noise, or aggression well. Peace and consistency are crucial.

• Fine Sand Only: Coarse substrates damage the gill structures and cause chronic stress.

• Water Purity Is Critical: They are excellent indicators of water quality — any slippage in care often leads to visible decline.

• Reacts to Reflections and Sudden Movements: Keep in a low-traffic, low-stimulation aquarium location if possible.

📋 Quick Summary Table

📝 Final Thoughts

Satanoperca daemon is a stunning, highly intelligent cichlid with delicate requirements and immense rewards. Its tranquil nature, beautiful form, and sophisticated parenting behavior make it a prized addition to a large, mature South American biotope. For aquarists who prioritize natural behaviors and ecological authenticity, this fish delivers depth far beyond the surface.