Satanoperca Leucosticta

[invader]

I have 2 Satanoperca leucosticta in a 55gl tank, along with an oscar and a Synodontis decorus. I'm going to get rid of the oscar (no space, obviously) and I will have a whole lot of room to play with... So, will there be a problem with having smaller, 2-3" fish in with the Satanoperca leucosticta? They look like they are built for pulling worms and things out of the ground, and not fish hunting, but I would like to know y'alls opinion.

Thanks,
Chantal

PS: I know I will have a problem with the decorus, so he will be moved to one of my other tanks.

 

[a.d.wood]

Hi there,

General rule for south american cichlids > if it fits in its mouth.....

As you've identified, these are 'eartheaters'. I've never known mine (groups of satanoperca acuticeps and Biotodoma cupido) to actively hunt smaller fish, if anything though the likely problem will be at night when any small fish that you have sleep at substrate level, then the satanoperca go sifting the sand for food and inadvertantly take a mouthful of sand along with the fish sleeping on the substrate!! (again though its got to fit in the mouth in 1 go).

Andrew

 

[invader]

Wouldn't the Satanoperca leucosticta be sleeping too? Just wondering...

 

[a.d.wood]

Wouldn't the Satanoperca leucosticta be sleeping too? Just wondering...

Hi there,

Not every fish will settle down the minute the lights go out, so there is a risk (if only slight).

Andrew

 

[invader]

Thanks for your help!