Green Dwarf Pike (Crenicichla compressiceps)

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Green Dwarf Pike

Crenicichla compressiceps-8529.jpg
Green Dwarf Pike

Crenicichla compressiceps

132 Litres (35 US G.)

5.1-9.9cm (2-3.9 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.5 - 7.5

24 -27 °C (75.2-80.6°F)

10-15 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Cichlidae




Origin

South America: Amazon River basin, in the lower Tocantins River basin.


Sexing

Males have more prominent vertical bands in their caudal fin.


Tank compatibility

Mainly found in the lower to middle regions of the tank, it is one of the braver pikes and can often be seen near the front of the tank or swimming in and around plants.


Diet

Predominantly insectivores, they can be picky eaters. Live foods are taken readily, though most accept frozen foods, or even pellets. Should not be kept with fry as they may be seen as prey.


Feeding regime

Depending on the diet, it should be fed twice daily to every other day. Foods higher in protein such as bloodworms should be fed less often, while brine shrimp and insects can be fed multiple times daily.


Environment specifics

Provide this with a spacious mature tank without very bright lighting.


Behaviour

Territorial towards its own species and most other bottom dwellers. Can be quite timid with highly aggressive fish.


Identification

A pretty elongated fish with a pointed snout. The body is silver-blue in colour with vertical white bands from the dorsal to the mid second of the body, with a darker mark on the top section of the body at the beginning of the dorsal fin. The caudal, anal and dorsal fins are yellow with slender black banding, while the pelvic fins are pale blue and the pectoral fins are clear.

Pictures

External links