Lugubris Pike Cichlid Care Guide
Crenicichla lugubris, the spottail pike cichlid, is a large predator of the Amazon and Guiana drainages, reaching about 33 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Crenicichla lugubris (Heckel, 1840), the spottail pike cichlid, is a large predatory cichlid from South America. According to FishBase it occurs in the Amazon basin in the Branco, Negro and Uatuma rivers of Brazil, plus the Essequibo and Branco rivers in Guyana and the Corantijn River in Suriname. It reaches about 32.9 cm in length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Crenicichla
- Scientific name: Crenicichla lugubris
- Common synonyms: Atabapo Pike Cichlid
- Described by Heckel in 1840
Habitat
It is a benthopelagic freshwater species of tropical rivers. Members of the genus Crenicichla occupy a wide range of habitats including rivers, streams, pools and lakes, and ambush prey from cover near sunken wood or rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Crenicichla lugubris 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 an aggressive, territorial mid-water predator. Small fish are treated as prey and should be avoided, along with slow or delicate species such as discus and angelfish. Large robust companions such as big plecos and silver dollars are more appropriate, and conspecific lugubris-group pikes are sometimes kept together only in very large systems.
Breeding
Like other Crenicichla, it is a cave-spawner. Breeding is considered advanced and requires a very large aquarium with secure spawning caves.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 11 November 2020, per FishBase).
Crenicichla lugubris Breeding Guide
Overview
Crenicichla lugubris is a large pike cichlid of the Amazon basin, recorded from the Branco, Negro and Uatuma rivers in Brazil and the Essequibo and Corantijn drainages in Guyana and Suriname. FishBase lists a maximum length of about 32.9 cm, while Seriously Fish cites up to roughly 40 cm. Seriously Fish believes it to be a cave spawner with excellent parental care, but notes very few reports of breeding in captivity.
Sexing
According to Seriously Fish, the male has a white stripe on the dorsal fin while females are more colourful, which is the main external clue for distinguishing the sexes.
Conditioning
This is a piscivorous predator with a high trophic level reported by FishBase, so conditioning relies on substantial meaty foods. Because of its adult size, a very large aquarium is essential simply to house a potential pair and absorb the aggression involved in pairing.
Breeding Setup
Provide large caves and robust hardscape in soft, warm, acidic water. Seriously Fish gives breeding parameters of 27-29 C, pH 5.5-6.5 and hardness up to about 15 dH, consistent with the warm Amazonian blackwaters of its range.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a presumed cave spawner the female would attach adhesive eggs inside a cavity, as is typical for the genus. Seriously Fish warns that forming a pair is difficult because male aggression increases as the fish mature and prospective mates are often killed, so careful introduction in a large tank is the key practical consideration.
Egg & Fry Care
Seriously Fish describes excellent parental care once a pair does spawn, with both parents tending the brood. Specific egg counts and fry timelines are not documented for this species, reflecting how rarely it has been bred in the hobby.
Common Challenges
The defining challenge is pair formation, since males may kill prospective mates as they mature. Combined with the very large tank required and the scarcity of captive breeding records, this is a project for experienced keepers only.