Compressed Pike Cichlid Care Guide
Crenicichla compressiceps is a compact-bodied dwarf pike cichlid from the Tocantins river in Brazil, smaller and more peaceful than typical pikes.
Overview
Crenicichla compressiceps is a compact-bodied dwarf pike cichlid of the family Cichlidae, found in the Amazon River basin and the lower Tocantins River basin in Brazil. It has recently been placed in the genus Wallaciia. It is smaller and more peaceful than typical pike cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Crenicichla
- Scientific name: Crenicichla compressiceps
- Recent reclassification: Wallaciia compressiceps
Habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon basin and lower Tocantins River in Brazil. Pike cichlids of this group typically occupy structured river margins with rocks, wood and crevices.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
A sand substrate with driftwood, rockwork and caves suits this species and provides the crevices and territories it favours.
Diet
A carnivore that takes meaty live and frozen foods in the aquarium, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive, mid-water predator. Robust tankmates such as silver dollars, severums, bristlenose plecos and large tetras are suitable, while small tetras, shrimp and other aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
A cave spawner with breeding difficulty considered intermediate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient.