Lenticular Pike Cichlid Care Guide
Crenicichla lenticulata is a large predatory pike cichlid from the Rio Negro blackwater system, reaching about 30 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Crenicichla lenticulata (Heckel, 1840) is a large predatory pike cichlid from South America. According to FishBase it occurs in the Negro River basin of the Amazon River basin in Brazil. It reaches a maximum standard length of about 30 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Crenicichla
- Scientific name: Crenicichla lenticulata
- Common synonyms: Bull Pike
- Described by Heckel in 1840
Habitat
It is a benthopelagic freshwater species of the blackwater Rio Negro system. Members of the genus Crenicichla occupy rivers, streams, pools and lakes, and ambush prey from cover near sunken wood or rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Crenicichla lenticulata is a carnivore. FishBase places it at a trophic level of about 3.8, consistent with a predatory species. A carnivore diet is required in captivity.
Compatibility
This is one of the more aggressive members of the genus. It is a territorial mid-water predator that treats small fish, tetras and most other cichlids as prey or rivals; these should be avoided. Only large robust companions such as big plecos are likely to be tolerated, and even then with caution.
Breeding
Like other Crenicichla, it is a cave-spawner. Breeding is considered advanced and requires a very large, well-structured aquarium with secure spawning sites.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 11 November 2020, per FishBase).
Crenicichla lenticulata Breeding Guide
Overview
Crenicichla lenticulata is a large, stocky pike cichlid confined to the Rio Negro basin within the Amazon system in Brazil, according to FishBase, which gives a maximum length of about 30 cm and a carnivorous, high trophic level. It is one of the more aggressive members of the genus. As a pike cichlid it is a cave spawner, and captive breeding records are scarce.
Sexing
Species-specific breeding sexual differences are not detailed in the consulted scientific sources. In the genus, females approaching spawning typically intensify in colour and become rounder in the belly, which serves as the practical indicator of a ripe female.
Conditioning
This is a strongly predatory species that is conditioned on meaty live and frozen foods. Its adult size and pronounced aggression mean a very large tank is essential to safely house a potential pair while conditioning.
Breeding Setup
Provide large caves and heavy hardscape in very soft, acidic, warm water. FishBase places the species in acidic waters of about 26-29 C with pH around 5.5 or lower, reflecting the blackwater of the Rio Negro, so soft, well-filtered, warm water with secure caves suits a breeding attempt.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase lists reproduction categories without specific spawning data for this species. As a cave-spawning pike cichlid the female would attach adhesive eggs inside a cavity following the genus pattern, with soft, warm, acidic water acting as the practical trigger.
Egg & Fry Care
Detailed egg counts and fry-rearing timelines are not documented for this species in the consulted sources. Large pike cichlids generally exhibit biparental cave brooding, so both parents would be expected to guard the eggs and fry.
Common Challenges
The pronounced aggression of this species makes safe pair formation especially difficult, and the combination of a very large tank, very soft acidic water and a lack of breeding documentation makes this a project for advanced keepers only.