SATANOPERCA JURUPARI

Geophagus jurupari, commonly known as the Eartheater Cichlid , is a peaceful and fascinating species of South American cichlid. Native to slow-moving rivers and streams in the Amazon basin, they are known for their distinctive habit of sifting through the substrate for food. These cichlids are ideal for medium to large community tanks and are prized for their gentle temperament and interesting behavior.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Minimum 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single fish or a pair. For groups, a tank of 125 gallons (473 liters) or larger is recommended, as these cichlids thrive in groups of 4–6 individuals.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is essential. Geophagus jurupari sifts through the sand for food, so sharp or coarse gravel should be avoided to prevent injury.
  • Decor: Use driftwood, rocks, and caves to create hiding spots. Ensure there’s plenty of open space for swimming and digging.
  • Plants: Hardy plants like Amazon swords, Java fern, or Anubias can be used but may need to be secured, as these fish may uproot plants while sifting. Floating plants can provide shade and reduce stress.
• Lighting:
  • Moderate lighting is ideal. Dim lighting or shaded areas created by plants or driftwood are appreciated.
• Water Flow:
  • Moderate water flow is preferred to mimic their natural habitat. Use a canister filter or powerhead to maintain good circulation.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–10 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% to maintain optimal water quality, as these fish are sensitive to poor conditions.

Diet

Geophagus jurupari is omnivorous with a preference for sinking foods:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for cichlids.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms.
• Vegetable Matter:
  • Include blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods.
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Geophagus jurupari is peaceful and social, making it an excellent addition to community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.
  • They exhibit mild territorial behavior, especially during breeding, but are generally non-confrontational.
• Tankmates:
  • Suitable tankmates include other peaceful South American cichlids (e.g., Severums, Angelfish), tetras, Corydoras catfish, and plecos.
  • Avoid aggressive or overly active species, as they may stress the eartheaters.
• Group Dynamics:
  • Geophagus jurupari thrives in groups of 4–6, where they can establish a natural hierarchy. Keeping them in groups helps reduce stress and aggression.

Breeding

Breeding Geophagus jurupari in captivity can be challenging but is possible with the right conditions:

1. Breeding Setup:
   • Use a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5) and a temperature of 80–82°F (27–28°C). Include flat stones or smooth surfaces for spawning.
2. Spawning Behavior:
   • They are delayed mouthbrooders. After spawning, the parents guard the eggs for a few days before transferring them to their mouths. The eggs hatch in about 3–4 days, and the fry are released after a week.
3. Fry Care:
   • Feed the fry infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp. Gradually introduce crushed flakes or powdered food as they grow.
4. Parental Care:
   • Both parents are involved in protecting the fry, making them excellent caregivers.

Common Challenges

1. Water Sensitivity:
   • Geophagus jurupari is sensitive to poor water conditions. Consistent water changes and good filtration are crucial.
2. Substrate Needs:
   • Without a soft, sandy substrate, they cannot exhibit their natural sifting behavior, leading to stress and potential health issues.
3. Territoriality During Breeding:
   • Breeding pairs may become territorial, so provide plenty of space and hiding spots to minimize aggression.

Interesting Facts

• The name “Eartheater” comes from their habit of sifting sand through their gills to extract food particles, a behavior that is both functional and fascinating to observe.
• Geophagus jurupari is sometimes confused with similar species like Geophagus altifrons, but they are distinguishable by subtle differences in coloration and body shape.
• In the wild, they play a crucial role in their ecosystem by aerating the substrate as they sift for food.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	75 gallons for one, 125 gallons for groups
Water Parameters	pH 5.5–7.5, 75–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Omnivorous: sinking pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables
Temperament	Peaceful, mild territoriality during breeding
Lifespan	8–10 years

Geophagus jurupari is a captivating and relatively peaceful cichlid that makes a wonderful addition to large community aquariums. Their unique feeding habits and social behavior create a dynamic and engaging display. With proper care, they can thrive and bring a touch of the Amazon to your aquarium.