Ringtail pike cichlid (Crenicichla saxatilis)

Scientific name: Crenicichla saxatilis Linnaeus, 1758

The Ringtail pike cichlid (Crenicichla saxatilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–30°C (77–86°F). Native range: South America, Atlantic coast drainages of Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela and Trinidad.

Ringtail pike cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)

Biology

Often found in creeks, but sometimes captured in rivers, specially during the dry season. A formidable predator; it consumes essentially aquatic insects, fish and plant material. Not very popular among aquarists because of its aggressive behavior.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Crenicichla saxatilis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - ?; dH range: 10 - ? benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Atlantic coast drainages of Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela and Trinidad.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)