Satanoperca leucosticta

Satanoperca leucosticta takes its name ("white-spotted") from the shiny blue–white spots and wavy lines on its head and cheeks. With its long snout, high-set eyes and golden-brown body it closely resembles S. jurupari; a significant share of the fish sold under that name in the trade are actually leucosticta. Like its relative, it feeds by taking sand into its mouth and sifting it, and it is a delayed mouthbrooder.

• At least 300 liters and 150 cm of length for a group of 4–6.
• Fine, round sand is a must; a large open sand area.
• Roots and rocks along the edges; tough plants attached to roots.
• A 30–40% water change weekly; it is sensitive to nitrate.

Omnivorous. Make small sinking granules and tablets the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis. Give 2–3 small meals a day.

Peaceful and social; there is no serious fighting within the group. It becomes timid next to aggressive tankmates; when kept alone it also hides and loses its color.

Good companions: angelfish, severum, festivum, Geophagus species, large tetras, corydoras, plecos.

Avoid: aggressive Central American cichlids, gravel substrate, small shrimp.