Crenicichla sp. 12, var. regani-group

In the captivity Crenicichla anamiri will show generally a peaceful behaviour, but may prey on small fish and be territorial with conspecifics. These dwarf pike cichlid will do well in groups so long as adequate cover and hiding places are available in the aquarium.

Some dried leaves could be placed on top of the substrate to create a more natural feel, and as these gradually decompose, they will release tannins that will not only help to acidify the water, but will also bring out the best colours of the fish – these leaves will require periodic replacement.

This species of pike cichlid presents a sexual dimorphism, where the females are smaller; the males are bigger with more pointed fins.

Crenicichla anamiri is distinguished from all congeners except C. notophthalmus, C. regani, C. urosema, and C. virgatula by having serrations on supracleithrum (vs. absence) – a bone of the pectoral girdle situated dorsal to the cleithrum. It differs from from C. notophthalmus and C. regani by having a black vertical elliptic blotch centrally positioned at caudal-fin base (vs. presence of ocellated blotch dorsally on caudal-fin base). It can be separated from C. regani, C. urosema and C. virgatula by having two to four rows of teeth in both jaws (vs. more than four rows); from C. virgatula and C. urosema also by the presence of vertical bars on the caudal fin (vs. absence).

In the wild, Crenicichla anamiri usually feed on small fish, shrimp, worms, and most meaty animals.

In the aquarium this smal predators will accept insects, other invertebrates, small fish, frozen & prepared foods.

During the breeding period, the couple becomes more colorful and aggressive, shows the courtship ritual, lays eggs in a cavity of wood or stone that hatch after approximately 3 days.

Artemia nauplii.