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.
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).