Satanoperca normally will not hybridize
Q. I'm setting up a 72-gallon bowfront, and I'm wondering about the possibility of raising several different types of Satanoperca demonfish. I don't intend to breed them, and know that S. leucosticta and S. daemon are fairly docile. Can you recommend others, and do you think this is a workable plan?
-- Josette Perfetti

A. A collection of Satanoperca is a very workable plan for your aquarium. As I am sure you're aware, they are beautiful and interesting fish with a charm all their own, and, despite their size, they are among the most behaviorally manageable South American cichlids for the home aquarium.

If you do not intend to breed them, I suggest you keep single specimens of several different species. Under favorable conditions, cichlids will always want to do what comes naturally, but the chances of having two different species of Satanoperca successfully hybridize are slim, because many of the species have significant differences in the way they spawn.

As there are significant variations in spawning behaviors, there are also some variations with their sociability in aquariums. As you have already mentioned, S. leucosticta and S. daemon are relatively docile, but S. jurupari can be somewhat more assertive (although the attention is usually focused on members of its species). In the absence of other S. jurupari to chase, an individual may become more docile or pester the neighbors it does have. I think you'd be safe in adding one to the community, but you should keep a close eye on it. It might help to add it to the community last to reduce its potential aggression by letting the other fish establish themselves first.

As for other choices, there are three other valid species in the genus. Satanoperca pappaterra, from Bolivia, is relatively rare in the hobby. It's unlikely you'll find it at your favorite aquarium shop, though it is possible. It is very similar in behavior to its somewhat sporadically available relative, S. jurupari.

Satanoperca lilith, the "one-spot daemon" from the central Amazon basin, is extremely rare in the hobby - in fact, if you find any, let me know! Behaviorally, it is very similar to S. daemon and likely would mix with the other species.

Lastly, S. acuticeps is often available but is very difficult to keep. The problem stems from the fact that despite its current inclusion in the genus Satanoperca, its feeding behavior is remarkably different when compared to the other species in the genus. It is believed (and anecdotal observations in aquariums seem to confirm) that S. acuticeps is less adapted for sifting its meals from the substrate than  for picking small organisms from the water column. This lifestyle tends to put it at a distinct disadvantage when trying to compete for food in a mixed community. In such situations, S. acuticeps tends to waste away, despite a regular feeding schedule. I think your single biggest challenge in putting a community of Satanoperca species together will be the distinct lack of availability of at least three of the choices.

Finally, I suggest that you restrict the population to three or four specimens. Any more than that and you'll eventually have problems maintaining water quality, especially as they approach 8 to 9 inches each. Also, make sure you offer food items that are relatively small, in comparison to the size of their mouths. Despite the fact that Satanoperca are relatively large cichlids by home aquarium standards, they eat surprisingly small items in the wild. A staple diet of easily consumed flake foods, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp will go a long way in ensuring adequate nutrition. Best of luck with the demonfish!
-Lee Newman

Disappearing Baby Jewels
Q. I recently acquired five jewel cichlids in the hope of getting a spawning pair. I did get a pair, which I have housed in a 30-gallon aquarium with plenty of rock cover and live plants. I use an outside mechanical filter, as well as an undergravel bio-filter. The fish haven't bothered the plants or dug up the tank, so the undergravel filter is working fine. The pair has laid eggs a couple of times, but once the fry hatch, they disappear. Any ideas on this subject would be appreciated.
Also, I'm starting to have some problems with algae on the tank sides, as well as too much organic material on the substrate. Is there any fish such as a pleco or other species that I could get to help with such a problem? Do you think I should get a large pleco, as well as take out the three extra jewel cichlids and put in several medium-size African ones? I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
-- Simon Dollison

A. Jewel cichlids are West African substrate spawners. They lay their eggs on a rock or other suitable substrate. When they hatch into "wrigglers," the parents often move them to a pit in the gravel, so they seem to disappear for a while. When the fry become free-swimming, they reappear. It seems that yours are hatching out okay but don't reach the free-swimming stage.

I suspect that your undergravel filter may the primary culprit. Undergravel filters generally do not work well with cichlids because the fish excavate the gravel from parts of the tank, uncovering the filter plate. Once that occurs, the water bypasses the gravel that holds the beneficial bacteria, rendering the filter ineffective. However, you say that your undergravel filter is working well. Perhaps too well! Once the parents place the wrigglers into a gravel pit, they are probably being sucked into the gravel by the water flow, where they die.

Another problem with undergravel filters is that they hold the dirt in the gravel, rather than remove it from the tank and onto a medium that can be easily cleaned. If newly hatched cichlids are placed in such dirty conditions, there is a risk of bacterial infections that will kill them.

Your description of a build-up of organic material in the gravel suggests that something is amiss with your cleaning regimen. A well-maintained tank should not have such conditions. It suggests that you are either feeding too much or are not cleaning the tank properly (or regularly). Higher levels of nutrients caused by the accumulating wastes may also cause the appearance of thick algae.

Adding a large pleco-type catfish will not help - it will make things worse. Plecos can produce a large amount of waste that will add to your problems. Nor do I recommend removing the other three jewels in favor of other "Africans." The presence of extra jewel cichlids can help maintain the bond between your pair as the male works to keep the others away from the spawning site.

I recommend that you remove the undergravel filter and use an outside power filter as the only filtration. You may wish to place a sponge filter over the filter's intake tube when spawning appears imminent, which will prevent the babies from being sucked up the tube. Establish a regular routine for tank maintenance that includes bi-weekly water changes of about 50 percent and incorporates the use of a gravel cleaner. Don't forget to clean the filter media. You should also closely monitor how much food you place into the tank. Excess food will foul the water quality.

A clean tank without an undergravel filter will be a much better environment for cichlid babies. Perhaps the next spawn will result in free-swimming fry.
Good luck!
-- Craig Morfitt