Spotted Pike Characin (Boulengerella maculata)

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Spotted Pike Characin

Boulengerella maculata1831.jpg
Spotted Pike Characin

Boulengerella maculata

322 Litres (85 US G.)

30-32 cm (11.8-12.6")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.5

23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)

12-18 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Ctenoluciidae



Additional names

Spotted Pike Characin, Peruvian Gar

Additional scientific names

Hydrocynus malculatus, Xiphostoma maculatum


Sexing[edit]

It is very difficult to visually sex these fish. There are no known records of successful breeding of this fish in captivity.


Tank compatibility[edit]

This is a predatory fish that will eat any fish smaller than itself. It can be kept in pairs or groups of it's own kind or with larger generally-peaceful bottom dwellers only.


Diet[edit]

A carnivore, will accept live fish, earthworms, insects and other meaty foods. Will be difficult to wean on to pellets or flake.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

These fish need large, well filtered and long tanks with very secure and heavy lids to stop escape attempts. Avoid very bright lights and any décor should be secure.


Behaviour[edit]

A large and skittish fish. Can be startled by sudden movements around its tank causing to crash into tank walls and décor so is best kept in large tanks in quiet environments. They are not known to live very long in captivity.


Identification[edit]

An attractive and very elongated fish. It has a long and slender snout and large eyes. Its body is pale in base colour with many large dark spots covering it and the caudal fin. The belly is pale.

Pictures[edit]

Videos[edit]

External links[edit]