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Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) — Cichlidae

Lilith's eartheater

Satanoperca lilith
Family: Cichlidae

The Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
25.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

Lilith's eartheater is a cichlid from fresh water of the Rio Negro system in the Amazon basin of South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, silver-grey body with glittering spots, a pointed head and large eyes. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lilith's eartheater?

The Lilith's eartheater has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Lilith's eartheater live?

The Lilith's eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Lilith's eartheater get?

The Lilith's eartheater grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Lilith's eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Lilith's eartheater is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Lilith's eartheater (Satanoperca lilith) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Roxanne Lazarus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Lilith's eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Satanoperca lilith
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Satanoperca

More from the family Cichlidae

Fin

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