Sharphead Eartheater - Satanoperca Acuticeps : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Sharphead Eartheaters (Satanoperca Acuticeps) are a peaceful and aesthetically appealing species of South American Cichlids that make excellent additions to medium to large community aquariums. Notably, these fish demonstrate surprisingly peaceful behaviour, showing no predation tendencies towards fish larger than a few millimetres long, except during breeding periods.
When considering tankmates for Sharphead Eartheaters, there is a wide array of suitable options, particularly those that thrive in similar environmental conditions and exhibit peaceful behaviour. However, caution is advised against introducing aggressive or territorial substrate-dwelling species, as well as those requiring water with less acidic or mineral content.
These Cichlids are social creatures and typically exist in loose groups, particularly during non-breeding periods, with juveniles displaying strong group instincts. For a harmonious social structure, acquiring a minimum of 5 to 8 individuals is recommended, as this number ensures the formation of a noticeable dominance hierarchy. In smaller groups, weaker individuals may become targets of excessive antagonism from dominant individuals, or the group as a whole may experience restlessness and nervous behaviour.
While Sharphead Eartheaters don't feed on as many organisms compared to other members of the genus, they do occasionally forage from the substrate. Therefore, providing a base layer of sand is advisable, as coarser materials like gravel or small pebbles may hinder feeding, damage gill filaments, and even pose ingestion risks, leading to internal damage or blockages.
Regarding decor, the choice largely depends on personal preferences. However, favoured setups often feature relatively dim lighting, along with driftwood pieces and scattered roots or branches.
Maintaining excellent water quality is of paramount importance for these Cichlids, as they are highly vulnerable to deteriorating water conditions and fluctuations in water chemistry. As such, introducing them to a biologically mature aquarium is crucial. Insufficient maintenance regimes may lead to health issues such as head and lateral line erosion or stunted growth.
Sharphead Eartheaters boast distinctive, silvery bodies adorned with three dark blotches on the sides and a relatively large eye spot on the upper caudal fin base. In wild-caught specimens, the caudal and anal fins exhibit a striking blood-red colouration that tends to fade to orange when in captivity. Notably, the last 5 to 6 rays of the soft dorsal fin extend into long black filaments, while the flanks feature parallel rows of bluish iridescent scales.
Sharphead Eartheater Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Sharphead Eartheaters is a relatively straightforward process. Males typically exhibit slightly larger body sizes compared to females and develop elongated filamentous extensions on the posterior dorsal-fin rays. Conversely, females undergo significant changes in body shape, becoming noticeably deeper-bodied, particularly evident during the gravid stage, accompanied by a striking transformation in their body pattern.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Satanoperca Acuticeps |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1840 |
| Other Names | Four Spot Eartheater, Sparkling Eartheater |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Satanoperca |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 17 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | NA |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
Sharphead Eartheaters are indigenous to Manaus, Brazil. However, they are currently distributed throughout various regions within the Amazon River Basin, notably in the Branco and lower Negro rivers, as well as along the Solimões-Amazon Rivers in Brazil, spanning from the Tocantins to the lower Trombetas Rivers in South America.
These Cichlids predominantly inhabit tranquil segments of the river characterized by turbid waters, sandy and muddy substrates, and interspersed patches of leaf litter and submerged tree branches.
Breeding
Sharphead Eartheaters are known as biparental substrate-spawners; however, successful breeding in aquarium settings is quite rare. The spawning process appears to lack a specific trigger and is instead dependent on factors such as ample space, appropriate diet, and a meticulous maintenance regimen.
Due to the inherent difficulty in accurately determining the sex of these fish, it is advisable, to begin with a group of young individuals and allow natural pair formation to occur over time. Patience is essential, as it may take at least a year for the fish to reach sexual maturity.
During the spawning phase, females undergo striking colour changes, with their lips turning black and the three lateral blotches transforming into full vertical bars, interspersed with half bars and black leading edges on the dorsal and anal fins.
A breeding pair will select a suitable site and construct a large pit for spawning, with the female depositing batches of eggs while the male follows to fertilize them. The adults diligently cover the brood with a thin layer of sand, and both males and females take part in egg tending and territory defence, though the males typically shoulder greater responsibility for protecting the spawning territory.
After approximately two days, the eggs hatch, and both parents exhibit a high level of care and attentiveness to the brood. The fry can readily accept baby brine shrimp and microworms once they reach the free-swimming stage. Alternatively, one can siphon the eggs or fry from the aquarium and rear them separately.
Diet & Feeding
In their natural habitat, Sharphead eartheaters feed on a combination of plant matter, insects, small crustaceans, and other small aquatic organisms. To maintain their health and vibrancy in captivity, it is essential to replicate a balanced diet that encompasses both animal and plant-based foods.
A suitable diet for Sharphead eartheaters may include high-quality commercial fish pellets or flakes; these should serve as the staple diet and provide essential nutrients. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. These foods mimic their natural diet and can enhance their colouration and overall health.
Include some vegetable matter in their diet, such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas. Providing these as occasional treats can contribute to a well-rounded diet. In addition to commercial and plant-based foods, offer small live or freeze-dried crustaceans and insects like small crickets, mealworms, or small shrimp. These foods can be occasional treats and offer a source of protein.
Consider offering spirulina-based foods or algae wafers, which provide essential vitamins and nutrients while supporting their digestive health. Feeding them in moderation and avoiding overfeeding is important, as excessive food can lead to water quality issues and health problems.
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