© Klaus Rudloff / CC BY-SA 4.0Demon Eartheater
The Demon Eartheater (Satanoperca jurupari) is a South American cichlid prized for its silvery-gray body with a subtle pearl sheen. Despite its imposing build, it's a surprisingly gentle fish that prefers swimming in loose groups rather than alone. Its signature behavior is sifting mouthfuls of substrate to filter out hidden food before spitting the sand back out — a fascinating ritual to watch. During breeding, females become mouthbrooders, carrying eggs and fry in their mouths for protection. Reaching 18.5 to 26 cm as adults, this eartheater grows quite large and is best suited to experienced aquarists.
View Demon Eartheater encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Commitments
All Tropical Fish listings include water quality, temperament, and tank size information from verified Breeder.
- Origin Disclosed
- Real Photos
- Water Quality Disclosed
- Recommended Tank Size
- Temperament Disclosed
- Breed Line Disclosed
Browse all 341 breeds
Water Type
Care Level
Verified breeders wanted for Tropical Fish
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising tropical fish?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a breederDemon Eartheater key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- 8-12 years
- Size
- 18.5-26cm
- Temperature
- 20〜28℃
- Diet
- Fine-grade sinking foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Artemia
- Tank
- 210 x 60cm (about 756 litres) or larger. Lay a deep bed of fine, rounded sand and build decor that withstands digging.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 20-28C, pH 5.5-7.5, 2-12 dGH.
- Tank Mates
- Peaceful and harmless to anything more than a few millimetres long. Keep in a group of five to eight or more.
- Diet & Feeding
- Base the diet on high quality fine-grade sinking foods with frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and Artemia, split into three or four smaller feeds a day.
- Breeding & Spawning
- A maternal mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid in small batches and picked up by the female as soon as they are fertilised.
- Health & Notes
- Sharp gravel damages the mouth and gills. Substrate choice directly affects its health.
About Demon Eartheater
An overview of the Demon Eartheater (Satanoperca jurupari), a South American cichlid known for its pearly silver-gray body, sand-sifting feeding habit, and mouthbrooding behavior — plus what makes it an advanced-level fish.
7 things to know before welcoming a Demon Eartheater
1Keep in a Small Group
Despite their size, Demon Eartheaters are gentle and tend to show more natural behavior when kept in a small group rather than alone. A group setup lets you observe their calm, social dynamics.
2Use Fine, Soft Substrate
This species sifts mouthfuls of substrate to filter out food, so fine powder sand is strongly recommended. Sharp or coarse gravel can injure their mouth and gills during this natural foraging behavior.
3Plan for Adult Size
Adults reach 18.5 to 26 cm, so even a small juvenile will need a spacious tank as it grows. Plan your tank size around its full adult length from the start.
4Choose Tankmates Carefully
Although even-tempered, its size means small fish may be mistaken for food. Pair it with tankmates of a similar or larger size to avoid accidental predation.
5Watch Water Stability
As a South American species, it can be sensitive to sudden shifts in water temperature or chemistry. Acclimate new fish slowly and maintain consistent water quality over time.
6Mouthbrooding Behavior
Females protect eggs and fry by carrying them in their mouths during breeding. With a compatible pair, this distinctive parental behavior can sometimes be observed in the home aquarium.
7Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
Its large adult size, active substrate-sifting habit, and sensitivity to water changes call for hands-on cichlid experience. First-time eartheater keepers should research care requirements beforehand.
Frequently asked questions about Demon Eartheater
- Q.How big does the Demon Eartheater grow?
- A.Adults typically reach 18.5 to 26 cm in length. Since this is a fairly large size for a cichlid, plan your tank around this full-grown length from the start.
- Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?
- A.The Demon Eartheater is generally considered an advanced-level fish. Its adult size and distinctive sand-sifting feeding habit call for some prior aquarium-keeping experience.
- Q.Is it an aggressive fish?
- A.Despite its size, it has a gentle temperament and tends to do well in small groups rather than alone. That said, its size means it isn't a good match for very small tankmates.
- Q.What substrate should I use?
- A.Because it sifts substrate through its mouth to find food, fine powder sand is the best choice. Coarse or sharp gravel can injure its mouth and gills during this natural behavior.
- Q.Are there any CITES restrictions on this species?
- A.The Demon Eartheater is not subject to CITES. It's valued among aquarists for its silvery-gray body and subtle pearl-like sheen.
Useful tools for Demon Eartheater care
Learn more about Demon Eartheater in the encyclopedia
View Demon Eartheater encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.