The Jurupari Eartheater is a remarkably peaceful South American cichlid famous for its continuous substrate-sifting behavior. They require a fine sand substrate to thrive and prevent damage to their delicate gills. Unlike highly aggressive cichlids, they are gentle giants that prefer the company of their own kind in a large, uncrowded community of similar-sized peaceful fish.
Jurupari Eartheater At a Glance
Jurupari Eartheater Tank Requirements
Will Jurupari Eartheater fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Jurupari Eartheater needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Jurupari Eartheater against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Jurupari Eartheater Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Jurupari Eartheater Temperament & Compatibility
Jurupari Eartheater Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Adult Jurupari Eartheaters. Must be kept in a group to feel secure and display natural social behaviors. They will uproot most delicate rooted plants through their constant sifting; floating or epiphytic plants are recommended instead.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Wild Type
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Jurupari are frequently sold around 5-7cm. While they can temporarily be housed in smaller aquariums, they grow quickly and will soon require upgrading to their permanent large footprint tank.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Jurupari, Juvenile Eartheater, Geophagus Fry
Jurupari Eartheater Care Guide Summary
The Jurupari Eartheater, scientifically known as Satanoperca jurupari, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Jurupari Eartheater requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Jurupari Eartheater is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Jurupari Eartheater Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Jurupari Eartheater, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Jurupari Eartheater Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Jurupari Eartheater is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Jurupari Eartheater Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Jurupari Eartheater.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jurupari Eartheater
How big does Jurupari Eartheater get?
Jurupari Eartheater (Satanoperca jurupari) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Jurupari Eartheater need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Jurupari Eartheater. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Jurupari Eartheater need?
Jurupari Eartheater thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Jurupari Eartheater peaceful or aggressive?
Jurupari Eartheater is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Jurupari Eartheater live alone?
No, Jurupari Eartheater should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Jurupari Eartheater have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Jurupari Eartheater benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Jurupari Eartheater
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Jurupari Eartheater based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Festivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesPeppermint Pleco
Parancistrus nudiventris
Ideal Tank MatesGold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Sole
Brachirus selheimi
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Jurupari Eartheater
These plants pair well with Jurupari Eartheater based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Jurupari Eartheater
Altifrons Eartheater
Geophagus altifrons
The Altifrons Eartheater is a large, graceful South American cichlid famous for its benthophagous feeding behavior. It constantly takes mouthfuls of sand, sifting it through its gills to extract small food particles. This natural behavior requires a fine sand substrate to prevent gill damage. While generally peaceful and best kept in groups, their constant digging will uproot most planted vegetation.
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
A stunning subtropical 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Uruguay River basin. Unlike typical Amazonian cichlids, they are temperate and benefit from a seasonal winter cooling period. As their name implies, they continuously sift the substrate for benthic invertebrates, making a soft sand substrate an absolute necessity to prevent mouth and gill damage. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Cupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
A peaceful, mildly gregarious 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Amazon and Essequibo River basins. Known for the distinctive black teardrop marking behind their gills and subtle, iridescent pastel coloration. Unlike many South American cichlids, they are remarkably gentle and thrive in small shoals. They require excellent water quality and a soft sand substrate to exhibit their natural sifting behavior.
Bahia Red
Geophagus sp. Bahia Red
The Bahia Red is a beautiful, earth-eating cichlid belonging to the Geophagus brasiliensis complex. They are highly sought after for their vivid red/orange hues and pearlescent spangling. Like all 'eartheaters', they require a fine sand substrate to exhibit their natural sifting behaviors. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become aggressively territorial during breeding.
Red Head Tapajos (Geophagus)
Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Tapajos'
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American Eartheater, recently formally described as Geophagus pyrocephalus. They are named for the bright red/orange coloration that develops on the heads of mature adults. As 'eartheaters', they constantly sift substrate through their gills to find food, making fine sand an absolute requirement to prevent injury. They are social cichlids that must be kept in groups.
Blue Sifter
Cribroheros robertsoni
A stunning Central American cichlid known for its iridescent turquoise speckling and unique earth-eating behavior. It constantly sifts substrate through its gills to forage, making soft sand absolutely mandatory to prevent gill damage. While mildly tempered compared to many Central American cichlids, it becomes highly territorial when breeding.