Jurupari
Satanoperca leucosticta
Until very
recently I
had four of
these fish
although
they never
showed any
signs of
breeding.
They
developed
some kind of
bloating
infection
and I lost
three fish
in two days.
The fourth
although I
treated with
octozin,
which is the
standard
treatment
for Malawi
bloat, died
shortly
after. The
Jurupari
prefers soft
acidic water
between pH
6.0 - 6.8.
At higher
pHs these
fish are
vulnerable
to hole in
the head
disease.
The species
is a delayed
ovophile
mouthbrooder
and the
female picks
up the eggs
from a
flatstone
24hrs or so
after they
have been
laid. Both
parents
supposedly
share the
mouthbrooding
in much the
same way as
Spathodus
sp. or other
biparental
mouthbrooders.
The native
people that
live near
the rivers
in which S.
jurupari is
found
believe this
fish to be
the
messanger of
the Jurupari
an evil
forest
spirit. Thus
the name
“Satanoperca”
or Satan’s
Perch.
Common name:
Jurupari,
Green-horse
faced
Geophagus
Origin:
Brazil
Maximum
Size: m/f:
25cm
Sexual
Dimorphism: Unclear.
Mating
System:
Monogamous
Breeding
Method:
Delayed
ovophile
biparental
mouthbrooder.
General:
Satanoperca
leucosticta
is a
beautiful
fish that
peacefully
coexists
with quite
small tank
mates.
