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Crenicichla wallacii — Cichlidae

Crenicichla wallacii

Crenicichla wallacii
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Crenicichla wallacii is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
The north of South America, in the Guianas, the Orinoco and the lower reaches of the Amazon.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The dwarf pike cichlid is a small pike cichlid from northern South America. The species reaches about 8 cm and has an elongate, pike-like body with a dark lateral stripe and an eye-spot on the dorsal fin. It inhabits slow-flowing and standing waters with plenty of cover. As an ambush predator it hunts small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes. It is a substrate brooder that hides and guards the eggs in a cavity. Owing to its small size and calm behaviour the species is popular in the aquarium trade as a 'dwarf pike cichlid'.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crenicichla wallacii?

The Crenicichla wallacii has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small pike cichlid with an eyespot on the dorsal fin; substrate brooder and stalking predator.

Where does the Crenicichla wallacii live?

The Crenicichla wallacii lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. The north of South America, in the Guianas, the Orinoco and the lower reaches of the Amazon.

How big does the Crenicichla wallacii get?

The Crenicichla wallacii grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Crenicichla wallacii dangerous to humans?

No, the Crenicichla wallacii is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Crenicichla wallacii edible?

The Crenicichla wallacii is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Crenicichla wallacii sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla wallacii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Average length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Horizontal stripes
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
The north of South America, in the Guianas, the Orinoco and the lower reaches of the Amazon.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Small pike cichlid with an eyespot on the dorsal fin; substrate brooder and stalking predator. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Crenicichla

More from the family Cichlidae

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