Three Spot Eartheater Care Guide

The Three Spot Eartheater is a captivating and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium, known for its fascinating behavior and striking appearance. However, taking care of this species requires attention to specific details due to its high maintenance level and unique attributes.

Tank Setup

The Three Spot Eartheater thrives best in a large aquarium with ample space for swimming and foraging. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended. Because of their highly territorial nature, it's essential to provide plenty of hiding spots and territorial zones using rocks, driftwood, and aquatic plants. Ensure that the substrate is fine sand or smooth gravel, as these fish naturally sift through substrate searching for food. Maintain a water temperature between 75°F and 82°F with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5, as stability in these parameters is crucial for their well-being.

Water Maintenance

Regular water changes are vital due to the high maintenance level of the Three Spot Eartheater. It’s important to change at least 30-50% of the water weekly to keep the water clean and reduce the buildup of waste. Filtration should be strong yet gentle, mimicking their natural river habitats with a moderate current.

Feeding

The Three Spot Eartheater is an omnivore with a diverse diet. Offering a variety of foods will ensure they receive balanced nutrition. High-quality flake or pellet food can be used as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and insect larvae. Incorporate vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or spirulina, to support their health. Feed them small amounts twice a day, ensuring they consume everything without leftovers settling in the tank.

Social Behavior

Despite their mostly peaceful nature, the Three Spot Eartheater can display highly territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Care should be taken when selecting tank mates to avoid stress or aggression. Ideal companions include similarly sized cichlids or other non-aggressive species. It is recommended to avoid housing them with significantly smaller fish or highly aggressive species.

Breeding

Breeding the Three Spot Eartheater can be challenging due to their highly aggressive behavior during spawning. If breeding is attempted, it is advised to provide a separate breeding tank to prevent territorial disputes and ensure the safety of the fry. Spawning sites should be flat surfaces or smooth stones, and once spawning has occurred, monitor closely to prevent aggression between mates and protect the eggs and fry from potential threats.

By creating an environment close to their natural habitat and attending diligently to their dietary and maintenance needs, you can enjoy seeing the vivid beauty and intriguing behaviors of the Three Spot Eartheater flourish in your aquarium.