Pantanal eartheater (Satanoperca pappaterra)

Scientific name: Satanoperca pappaterra Heckel, 1840

Pantanal eartheater (Satanoperca pappaterra)

The Pantanal eartheater (Satanoperca pappaterra) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–27°C (75–81°F).

Pantanal eartheater care at a glance

Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)

Biology

Inhabits streams and lagoons with sandy to muddy bottom. Forages by plunging its protrusible mouth into the sandy or muddy bottom, filling it with sediment, and sorting out food inside the mouth. The bulk of the mouthful is expelled through the opercular openings and the mouth, producing a cloud of sediment (substrate sifting). This feeding mode leaves a series of pits and mounds on the bottom. Feeds on insect larvae, crustaceans, plant debris and loose scales. Discourages piranha attacks by watching the predator, a tactic used when 2-5 fish feed in groups and the individuals take turns as the "watchman". Confronts an approaching piranha by charging towards the predator with an open mouth and erect dorsal fin.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Satanoperca pappaterra
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
19.2
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: ? - 7.0; dH range: ? - 10 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin, in the Guapor? River in Brazil and Bolivia; Paran? River basin, in the Paraguay River drainage in Brazil and northern Paraguay (to the Aquidab?n River).
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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