Sharphead Eartheater

Satanoperca acuticeps

Sharphead Eartheater is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 6.7" (≤ 17 cm)
Aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Sharphead Eartheater is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Sharphead Eartheater should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Provide several small feedings of sinking/fine foods; do not depend on coarse surface flakes.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Sharphead Eartheater get?

Sharphead Eartheater reaches ≤ 6.7" (≤ 17 cm).

What aquarium size does Sharphead Eartheater need?

Use an aquarium of at least 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.

Is Sharphead Eartheater peaceful?

Yes. Sharphead Eartheater is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Sharphead Eartheater?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Sharphead Eartheater be kept alone or in a group?

Sharphead Eartheater: Keep in a loose group of 5+.