Pike cichlid

About

Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla johanna) is a sizeable, predatory fish that ranges across much of the Amazon basin into the Orinoco drainage and Guyana's Essequibo river system. One of the more broadly distributed members of the pike cichlid group. That wide geographic range has produced a handful of distinct color forms, so individuals can look noticeably different depending on where they originated. All of them share the classic pike cichlid body plan: long, laterally compressed, built for ambush. The big mouth is not just for show. Any tankmate small enough to be viewed as a meal will eventually become one, so choosing compatible fish takes some thought. Conspecifics can be a real problem too, and aggression between individuals is common enough that a species-only setup is often the safer call. When housed with other large cichlids that can hold their own, things can work, but you do need the space to back it up. This is not a fish for a modest tank. Breeding has not been documented in the hobby, which adds some mystery to keeping it. Crenicichla johanna suits an intermediate keeper who appreciates a bold, characterful predator and can commit to the substantial setup it needs.