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Pike pike-cichlid (Crenicichla lucius) — Cichlidae

Pike pike-cichlid

Crenicichla lucius
Family: Cichlidae

The Pike pike-cichlid (Crenicichla lucius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
16.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru

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Description

The Pike pike-cichlid is a pike cichlid (Cichlidae) from rivers, streams and bank vegetation of the upper Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, almost pike-like body with a pointed head and a large mouth. As an ambush hunter it shelters among roots, wood and plants and seizes small fish, shrimp and insects with a quick lunge. It is a caring parental brooder that fiercely defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pike pike-cichlid?

The Pike pike-cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Pike pike-cichlid live?

The Pike pike-cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the Pike pike-cichlid get?

The Pike pike-cichlid grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Pike pike-cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pike pike-cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pike pike-cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla lucius
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Peru sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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