Striped Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla strigata)

Scientific Name(s): Crenicichla strigata

 

Common Name(s): Striped Pike Cichlid

 

Family: Cichlids

 

Species Type: South American Cichlids

 

Maximum Size: 14 inches

 

Life Span: 12 years

 

Natural Habitat: South American rivers

 

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other cichlids, catfish or plecos

 

Description: As with most larger pike cichlids, they are very aggressive. And they have a large appetite. They will eat anything that will fit into their mouths. This includes fish that are as long as they are, as long as they can fit them into their mouths at the start. They will carry the partially eaten fish in their mouths for days, until they can completely consume it. They have no problems eating plecos that they can get the head in their mouths. A very large tank of 150 gals and more, is required.

 

Temperature Range 72°F - 82°F

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pH Range 6.4 - 7.8

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 1° - 20°

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Breeding Information: Substrate and cave spawners. Excellent parents. Will guard the fry with extreme prejudice. Very large aquarium needed, with plenty of hiding spaces and open areas. Male becomes extremely aggressive at breeding time, and may injure and kill the female in his attempts. Gestation period app 48 hours depending on the temp. Parents move the fry to pits.

 

Sexing Information: Females are more rounded in the belly, and have red on the belly when becoming ready to spawn. The red becomes more dark as the female becomes more fertile.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - does well with live foods, meaty frozen foods or meaty freeze-dried foods.

 

Temperment: Aggressive and predatory - will eat anything that can fit into mouth.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Striped Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla strigata)