Spotted Pike Characin (Boulengerella maculata)

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Spotted Pike Characin
Boulengerella maculata
Spotted Pike Characin (Boulengerella maculata)
Name Spotted Pike Characin
Name Lat. Boulengerella maculata
Synonym Xiphostoma maculatum
Family Pike Characids
Family lat. Ctenoluciidae
Order Characins
Order lat. Characiformes
Origin South America
Habitat Rivers, tributaries
Diet Carnivore
pH 5.0-7.5
Behavior Predatory
Keeping Individual, group
Care Level Experts only
Reproduction Egg scatterer
Breeding None reported
Life Span 5-8 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 30 cm
Temperature 23-27 °C
Hardness 1-12 °dH
Aquarium 700 l
US Units
Size 12"
Temperature 73-81 °F
Hardness 18-214 ppm
Aquarium 200 gal

Distribution and habitat

Spotted Pike Tetras are widely distributed in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela, where they occur in the Amazon, Orinoco and Rio Tocantins and its tributaries. They live in the calm flowing sections of the rivers, but also in floodplains, preferring to live on the water surface under floating plants.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a varied, dense planting that rises to the water surface, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) as well as some floating plants, slightly acidic water and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature, these predators feed on small fish and insects. According to their size, the food supply consists of live food, such as worms, shrimps, insect larvae, etc., as well as  forage fish, which is also accepted frozen. Occasionally, high protein, high quality dry food is accepted after habituation.

Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

It is recommended to keep them in a group of at least 4 animals. Within the species they usually behave peacefully. Young animals often form large groups, older ones often live solitary. Towards other fish of the same size they also behave peacefully, too small fish are considered as prey.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.

Important

The tank should be well covered, as they are very skittish and good jumpers

Feeding live fish carries the risk of introducing parasites and other diseases. Meat from chickens or mammals (e.g. beef heart), should not be fed, as this food cannot be utilized by the fish.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF