HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsCrenicichla lenticulata Crenicichla lenticulata Scientific name: Crenicichla lenticulata Heckel, 1840 Crenicichla lenticulata is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 30 cm (12 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 455 L (120 US gal), water at 23–27°C (73–81°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.8. Native range: South America, Eastern Brazil. Crenicichla lenticulata care at a glanceCare levelModerateTemperamentAggressiveCommunity tankNot suitableAdult size30 cm (12 in)Minimum tank455 L (120 US gal)Temperature23–27°C (73–81°F)pH6.5–7.8Hardness1–19 dGH (18–339 ppm)DietCarnivore. Accepts live foods. Species factsScientific nameCrenicichla lenticulataFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length30.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - ? benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionSouth America: Negro River basin of the Amazon River basin, Brazil.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More south & central american cichlidsCrenicichla lacustrisJaguar guapoteParachromis managuensisChameleon cichlidAustraloheros facetusApistogramma steindachneriApistogramma macmasteriFreshwater angelfishPterophyllum scalareSee all south & central american cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026