Easy
Firemouth Cichlid (Cichlasoma meeki)
23–30°C · pH 6.5–8 · 200L
£4.99
A peaceful South American eartheater cichlid for spacious, mature aquariums with soft sand, warm clean water and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Satanoperca jurupari
Demon Eartheater bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
A peaceful South American eartheater cichlid for spacious, mature aquariums with soft sand, warm clean water and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Demon Eartheater (Satanoperca jurupari) is a calm South American cichlid valued for its sand-sifting behaviour, subtle patterning and steady presence in a mature aquarium. It is still sometimes traded under the older name Geophagus jurupari, but the care requirement is the same: soft sand, clean warm water and enough floor space for an adult fish that becomes far larger than the juvenile size offered in most shops.
This parent listing covers several size variants, from small juveniles to larger specimens. The variant selector shows current live availability; because stock can change quickly, use the listed size as the purchase size and plan the aquarium around the adult fish.
Use a wide aquarium with a generous open sand bed. Fine, smooth sand is essential because Demon Eartheaters feed by taking mouthfuls of substrate, filtering edible particles and passing the sand back through the mouth and gills. Sharp gravel can damage the mouth and gill tissue, so it should be avoided.
For long-term adult care, plan around a spacious aquarium of roughly 450 litres or more, with a larger footprint preferred for groups. Juveniles can be grown on in smaller quarters only if a suitable adult home is already planned. Add driftwood, smooth stones, leaf litter areas and robust plants around the edges while leaving open bottom space for foraging.
This species suits warm, soft to moderately mineralised water. Keep temperature stable at 24-30C, pH around 5.5-7.5 and hardness on the soft side where possible. More important than chasing a perfect number is avoiding sudden swings. Strong biological filtration, regular partial water changes and low dissolved waste are key because eartheaters dislike dirty substrate.
Demon Eartheaters are benthic omnivores. Offer sinking cichlid granules, soft pellets and small frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and chopped earthworm. Feed in smaller portions that reach the sand bed, then remove leftovers so food does not rot in the substrate. Occasional vegetable or spirulina-based food can be included, but the diet should stay varied rather than heavy.
Despite the dramatic common name, Satanoperca jurupari is generally peaceful when kept with enough room. It works best with calm, medium-sized South American fish that enjoy similar water, such as larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, Corydoras in suitable setups and Loricariid catfish. Avoid tiny fish that may be swallowed, aggressive cichlids, fin nippers and territorial bottom dwellers that would compete for the same sand bed.
Breeding can be challenging and is best attempted with a settled group in very clean, stable water. Pairs may form naturally, and parental care can be complex. If breeding is the goal, give the fish a quiet species-focused aquarium rather than a busy community tank.
When available, this fish is packed for UK live-animal courier delivery with insulated packaging and oxygen. Eligible first-time customers can use WELCOME10 at checkout, and live-fish orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation guidance is followed.
For similar aquariums, compare Firemouth Cichlid, Electric Blue Acara, Rainbow Cichlid, Zebra Acara, Topaz Cichlid and Apistogramma Fire Red.
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