Pet Wiki

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Demon Eartheater

Satanoperca jurupari (Heckel, 1840)

Also called Jurupari, Jurupari eartheater, Geophagus jurupari (former name)

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: much of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia, plus French Guiana and the Araguari in north-eastern Brazil.12

At a glance the quick version

Length18.5 to 26 cm123
Sizelarge
Peaceful, sociable group fish
Fascinating sand-sifting behaviour
Mouthbrooding parents
23

Looks how to spot one

Elongated eartheater cichlid

A long-bodied cichlid with a sloping, horse-like face and a mouth built for sifting sand. Females stay slightly smaller than males.2

Personality what they are like

Calm and gregarious outside the breeding season, getting more assertive only when spawning.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Busy bottom dweller that spends the day scooping and sifting sand; needs a big, open sandy floor.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Use soft, fine sand so it can sift naturally, and offer several small meals a day.2

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of about 24 to 28 C, pH roughly 5.5 to 7.5 and soft to medium (2-12 dGH); a large tank with a base of about 210 x 60 cm for a group.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Sifts the bottom for small invertebrates, insect larvae, seeds and plant matter; give fine sinking foods, bloodworm, Artemia and vegetable-based foods.21

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of about 5 to 8; good with other peaceful fish that like soft, acidic water.2

The story where it all began

Heckel described the species in 1840 and it was long placed in Geophagus. It is now in Satanoperca and is a well-established fish in the aquarium trade.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Satanoperca means 'Satan perch', and jurupari is a Tupi name linked to a forest spirit in local belief.2

  2. 2

    It takes mouthfuls of sand and sorts out food inside its mouth before letting the sand out again.3

  3. 3

    Mothers carry the eggs in their mouths, and the young keep sheltering there for weeks afterwards.1

  4. 4

    Young fish can anchor themselves inside the parent's mouth using a special gland.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 21 November 2020)1
Taxonomy
Described by Heckel in 1840; tribe Geophagini, family Cichlidae; populations from different rivers may be separate species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Demon Eartheater. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Demon Eartheater?

Feed your Demon Eartheater small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding with fine sinking foods like bloodworm and Artemia.21 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Demon Eartheater eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Demon Eartheater enjoys a varied diet of small invertebrates, insect larvae, seeds, and plant matter. Offer fine sinking foods, bloodworm, Artemia, and vegetable-based foods. The facts do not specify foods to avoid, so ask a vet for a safe diet list.21

How much space does a Demon Eartheater need?

A group of Demon Eartheaters needs a large tank with a base of about 210 by 60 cm. This gives them plenty of open sandy floor to sift through.21

What temperature, light or water does a Demon Eartheater need?

Keep the water tropical at 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and soft to medium hardness. Lighting is not specified, but standard aquarium lighting should be fine.21

How often should I clean a Demon Eartheater's home?

Clean the tank weekly by changing about 25% of the water, testing the water, and cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Demon Eartheater live with others?

Yes, Demon Eartheaters are calm and gregarious outside breeding season. Keep them in a group of 5 to 8, and they do well with other peaceful fish that enjoy soft, acidic water.2

How long does a Demon Eartheater live?

Lifespan information is not provided in the facts. Ask a breeder or vet for typical lifespan expectations.

Can I handle a Demon Eartheater?

Handling is not covered in the facts. It is best to avoid handling these fish; observe them in their tank instead. Consult a vet or breeder for handling advice.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Red Head Tapajos Eartheater

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FishBase: Satanoperca jurupari fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, breeding
  2. Seriously Fish: Satanoperca jurupari seriouslyfish.comused for habitat, size, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, etymology, taxonomy
  3. Wikipedia: Satanoperca jurupari en.wikipedia.orgused for size, feeding method, breeding, behaviour

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.