Two-spot Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla notophthalmus)
| Two-spot Pike Cichlid Crenicichla notophthalmus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Two-spot Pike Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Crenicichla notophthalmus |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Predatory, aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-4" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The cockatoo dwarf pike cichlids originate from the blackwater rivers in the catchment area of the lower Rio Negro (Brazil). There they live in the slow flowing river sections with dense riparian vegetation between dead wood and roots.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust border planting, with caves, stones and roots, which provide shelters and hiding places and sufficient free swimming space. A deep substrate of sand or fine gravel, suitable for digging, covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond tree, beech), some shaded light (floating plants) 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
They are lurking hunters. The food supply consists of live and frozen food. For a balanced diet, according to their size, feed once a day with Tubifex, mosquito larvae, krill, shrimp, earthworms, crab and fish meat, etc. (live or frozen). Dry food (pellets, granules, etc.) is rarely accepted.
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are intraspecific and also incompatible with other fish. Especially at spawning time, the territory is fiercely defended. They should be kept singly or in pairs. Juveniles can also be kept in a group. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. Socialization is only possible with larger and robust fish, too small fish are considered prey.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The slightly larger males have a dark fringed dorsal fin, the females are more intensely colored and have an eye spot in the dorsal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
There are reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They are cave breeders, the female does the brood care while the male defends the territory
Important
Juveniles and adults differ in markings and coloration.
They live in blackwater rivers rich in humic substances. Accordingly, the addition of peat extract or filtration via peat and the use of foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) is recommended to increase the well-being and color intensity of the fish. The foliage enriches the water with humic substances and naturally lowers the pH.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored 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: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF