fish

Crenicichla sp.4

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Crenicichla is a genus of cichlids commonly known as pike cichlids. They are native to South America and present in most tropical and subtropical freshwater habitats between the Andes and the Atlantic.

Submitted by
Heiko Bleher
Geographical region
Drainage Basin
River catchment
Water body type
Water body name
Water body part
Water body course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name
Type locality
Itapuama, below confluence with rio Iriri, State of Pará, rio Xingu.
Conservation status/IUCN Red List
Not Evaluated (NE)

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Fresh water
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Medium
Water temperature
28.5 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
6.25-6.55
Conductivity
21-22
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Biology

Standard length
4.8 cm
Water volume (min. aquarium)
180 l
Social behaviour
Group fish
Behaviour description

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.

Aggression grade
Peacefull
Activity
Day active
Sexual dimorphism

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).

Nutrition in Nature

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

Reproduction

Breeding tank set-up
The aquarium for these pike cichlids can be decorated with some driftwood, stones, floating plants or places that provide shelter, as these fish prefer to hide and do not like intense lights.
Nutrition parents

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

Mating type
Monogamous
Spawning behaviour

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.

Breeding habits
Substrate-spawning
Hatching period
3 days
Number of eggs in average
Variable
Parental care
Yes
Fry number
Variable
Nutrition fry

Artemia nauplii.

Notes on reproduction

Bibliography