Fin's Fish Guide
The Eartheater (Satanoperca leucosticta) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Amazon region in South America; sandy bottoms of quiet rivers and creeks.
Description
The eartheater is a South American cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Amazon region. The species has a fairly deep, greyish body with numerous iridescent blue-white spots and lines on the head and flank. It lives over sandy bottoms of quiet rivers and creeks, where it takes in mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, organic matter and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder that protects the eggs and young in the mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eartheater?
The Eartheater has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Glossy blue-white spots; sifts sand for food ('eartheater'), protects the juveniles in its mouth.
Where does the Eartheater live?
The Eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon region in South America; sandy bottoms of quiet rivers and creeks.
How big does the Eartheater get?
The Eartheater grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Eartheater dangerous to humans?
No, the Eartheater is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eartheater edible?
The Eartheater is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Satanoperca
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Eartheater?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eartheater is one of 12,519 species in the app.