Fin's Fish Guide
The African pike-characin (Phago boulengeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks.
Description
Boulenger's pike-characin is a slender, pike-like characin of the family Distichodontidae reaching about 17 cm. The elongate body has a long, pointed, narrow mouth full of small, sharp teeth, a build reminiscent of a small pike. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks. As an ambush predator it lurks motionless among the plants; it is a specialised 'fin-clipper' that bites pieces of fins and scales off other fish, supplemented with small fish and insects. In the rainy season it spawns. For its unusual mouth and behaviour it is a remarkable, but for the aquarium difficult, species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African pike-characin?
The African pike-characin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, pike-like characin with a long, pointed, toothy mouth; an ambush predator that snips fins and pieces off other fishes.
Where does the African pike-characin live?
The African pike-characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks.
How big does the African pike-characin get?
The African pike-characin grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the African pike-characin dangerous to humans?
No, the African pike-characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African pike-characin edible?
The African pike-characin is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Phago
More from the family Distichodontidae
Want the complete picture on the African pike-characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African pike-characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.