Crenicichla sveni Care Guide
Crenicichla sveni is a medium-sized pike cichlid from the Orinoco Llanos, a predatory species for spacious soft-water aquaria.
Overview
Crenicichla sveni is a medium-sized pike cichlid described by Ploeg in 1991. Pike cichlids have a wide mouth and an elongated body and are ambush predators. This is a valid species within the family Cichlidae.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Crenicichla
- Scientific name: Crenicichla sveni
- Described: Ploeg, 1991
Habitat
According to FishBase, Crenicichla sveni occurs in the Orinoco River basin, in the Llanos of Venezuela and Colombia. Pike cichlids typically inhabit rivers, streams, pools and lakes, holding position near submerged structure.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
Diet
Crenicichla sveni is carnivorous, with a trophic level indicating it feeds on small fish and invertebrates. In the aquarium it takes meaty live and frozen foods suited to its size.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive predator that should not be kept with small fish or shrimp. It is best combined with robust mid-sized tankmates in a spacious aquarium with cover.
Breeding
Crenicichla species are typically cave spawners with biparental care of eggs and fry.