Threespot Eartheater

Satanoperca daemon is the most easily recognized species of its genus, with two large round black blotches in the middle of the body and a third on the caudal peduncle. It comes from the tea-colored, almost mineral-free blackwaters of the Orinoco and Rio Negro. It is more delicate than related species: in poor water conditions it quickly develops hole-in-the-head disease and bacterial problems. Breeding in the aquarium is rare; like the other species of the genus, it is believed to be a delayed mouthbrooder.

• At least 400 liters and 180 cm of length for a group of 4–6.
• Very soft, acidic water prepared with reverse osmosis water; leaves and roots as a source of tannins.
• Fine sand substrate, a wide open area, dim light.
• Water changes of 25–30% twice a week or 50% once a week; nitrate must be kept low.

Omnivorous. Alongside small sinking granules, offer frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis. Two or three small meals a day are better than one large meal.

Calm, shy and social; when kept alone it hides and refuses food.

Good companions: discus, altum angelfish, blackwater tetras, sterbai corydoras, calm plecos.

Avoid: aggressive cichlids, fast and greedy fish, species that need hard water, small shrimp.