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