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Whitespotted pike cichlid (Crenicichla albopunctata) — Cichlidae

Whitespotted pike cichlid

Crenicichla albopunctata
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Whitespotted pike cichlid (Crenicichla albopunctata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Crenicichla albopunctata is a pike cichlid (family Cichlidae) of northern South America. The species reaches about 14 cm (maximum about 20 cm) and has an elongate, brownish body with white spots and a large mouth, characteristic of the predatory pike cichlids. It occurs upstream of the first rapids, in forest creeks with moderate light, slow current and a sandy-silt bottom. Its diet consists of small fishes and large invertebrates. As a substrate spawner the species defends a territory and guards its brood. It is harmless to humans and is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whitespotted pike cichlid?

The Whitespotted pike cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Whitespotted pike cichlid live?

The Whitespotted pike cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Whitespotted pike cichlid get?

The Whitespotted pike cichlid grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Whitespotted pike cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Whitespotted pike cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Whitespotted pike cichlid edible?

The Whitespotted pike cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Witgestippelde snoekcichlide sourced
English name
Whitespotted pike cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla albopunctata
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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