Satanoperca mapiritensis

Remarks:  Satanoperca mapiritensis, also known as the fine spotted eartheater, is a glittering, beautiful member of its genus. It is known for the iridescent blue spots covering its face that sparkle when the fish turns in the light. While S. mapiritensis is very similar in appearance to others in its genus, it can be identified by how clustered the spots are on the operculum, the white spots on the top of the head, and the pale orange lips present on adult fish. They are a slow growing species, typically taking two years to reach maturity, but the resulting elegant, peaceful fish makes them worth the wait.

  S. mapiritensis was first described by Venezuelan ichthyologist Agustín Antonio Fernández-Yépes in 1950. Having collected the type specimens from the Rio Mapirito, he named them after the location. It is now known that the species can be found throughout the Río Orinoco basin, not just in this one tributary. Throughout the years, there was a lot of debate over the validity of the species and where it should be placed taxonomically, having originally been placed in the Geophagus genus like others that are now placed in their own genus of Satanoperca. For a time, S. mapiritensis had been argued to be synonymous with S. jurupari and then S. leucosticta. A final analysis by Brazilian Environmental Sciences student Renata Ota in 2013 would solidify S. mapiritensis is its own valid species based on previously mentioned morphological differences.

  The natural habitat of S. mapiritensis is similar to that of other Satanoperca, typically inhabiting clear, white-water channels and floodplains with a soft mud or sand substrate dotted with leaf litter and fallen branches. Parameters here, like with most South American species, are very soft, warm, and acidic with little pollutants. Being omnivorous eartheaters, S. mapiritensis spend most of their day scooping up mouthfuls of substrate to sift out any morsels of food such as worms and fallen plant matter. When keeping S. mapiritensis in the home aquarium, they will have the best chance at thriving if their native habitat is replicated to the best of one’s ability. Having a soft, fine substrate is required to prevent choking and damage to the mouth and gills as they engage in their earth eating feeding style. As they do not tolerate poor water quality, large, frequent water changes are also recommended to maintain the health of your S. mapiritensis.

  Like others in its genus, S. mapiritensis is typically docile with territorial aggression only ever seeming to crop up when spawning. Overly aggressive species should be avoided as tankmates as they will overly stress this mellow eartheater. Instead, peaceful species such as tetras will be excellent tankmates so long as they are not small enough to fit in the mouths of S. mapiritensis. While they are peaceful to other fish, some have noted that S. mapiritensis are far less tolerant of conspecifics compared to others in their genus so more space should be provided if keeping multiple pairs. Supplying multiple breaks in line of sight with décor such as live plants, driftwood, and rocks can further help reduce aggression.

  When looking to breed S. mapiritensis, it is best to start out with a group of six or more juveniles. This is because sexing even adults is very difficult due to males and females having little to no visual differences making determining the sex of young fish is near impossible. Getting six will statistically ensure you will get at least one pair as the fish grow. Keeping pristine water quality while feeding a diverse, high-quality diet with plenty of protein and vegetable matter will help your S. mapiritensis become conditioned for spawning once they are of breeding age. When this species is ready to spawn is usually when you will see the only clear sexual dimorphism with females getting a more rounded abdomen. Spawning takes place on a flat surface the pair have cleaned with the female taking the eggs into her mouth once they are fertilized. The female will then mouthbrood the eggs until the fry hatch and are free swimming. Interestingly, at this point the male will join the female in taking the fry into their mouths when danger is present or when transporting the fry to different locations. Both parents will guard the fry until they are large enough to fend for themselves.