Threespot eartheater

Satanoperca daemon, known as the Threespot Eartheater, is a large, gregarious cichlid from the upper Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia, where it inhabits acidic, mineral-poor blackwater environments with tannin-stained water. Adults reach a standard length of 20–25 cm and require a very large aquarium with a base of at least 210 × 60 cm to accommodate both their size and social structure. Water conditions must be soft and acidic, with a pH of 3.5–6.0, temperatures of 24–28 °C, and negligible hardness of 18–90 ppm. A soft, sandy substrate is essential, as the species feeds benthophagously by taking mouthfuls of substrate and sifting edible items — coarse gravel can damage the gills or cause internal blockages. Additional furnishings should include driftwood, scattered roots, and dim lighting. S. daemon is surprisingly peaceful for a cichlid of its size and will not predate on fishes larger than a few millimetres. It is gregarious and should be maintained in groups of 5–8 individuals to establish a natural dominance hierarchy. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful species thriving in soft, acidic conditions such as small characins and other South American cichlids. The species accepts a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, live and frozen foods. Breeding pairs become temporarily territorial. Males develop extended fin filaments and more intense colouration with age, and the species exhibits fascinating social dynamics in a well-maintained aquarium.