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Manyspine pike cichlid (Crenicichla multispinosa) — Cichlidae

Manyspine pike cichlid

Crenicichla multispinosa
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Manyspine pike cichlid (Crenicichla multispinosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
22.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Maroni and Mana rivers of Suriname and French Guiana; shallow, clear freshwater with bright sunlight.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Crenicichla multispinosa (recently placed in the genus Lugubria) is a pike cichlid from the Maroni and Mana rivers of Suriname and French Guiana. It grows to about 22 centimetres and lives in shallow, clear fresh water with bright sunlight, in the same biotope as related pike cichlids. The torpedo-shaped body and terminal mouth with strong jaws reveal a predator hunting small fishes and invertebrates. Like all cichlids it has a single continuous dorsal fin with many spines. Cichlids guard their brood intensively. The species is harmless to humans and of no fishing interest.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Manyspine pike cichlid?

The Manyspine pike cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown. Pike cichlid with an elongated predatory body; inhabits shallow, clear water with bright sunlight.

Where does the Manyspine pike cichlid live?

The Manyspine pike cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Maroni and Mana rivers of Suriname and French Guiana; shallow, clear freshwater with bright sunlight.

How big does the Manyspine pike cichlid get?

The Manyspine pike cichlid grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Manyspine pike cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Manyspine pike cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Manyspine pike cichlid edible?

The Manyspine pike cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Manyspine pike cichlid (Crenicichla multispinosa) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) BOILEDIEU, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Manyspine pike cichlid (Crenicichla multispinosa) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Thomas Diemer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Manyspine pike cichlid (Crenicichla multispinosa) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Florent De Gasperis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Manyspine pike cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla multispinosa
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Maroni and Mana rivers of Suriname and French Guiana; shallow, clear freshwater with bright sunlight. verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and invertebrates. sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Cichlid that deposits its brood on a firm substrate and guards it intensively. inferred
Special features
Pike cichlid with an elongated predatory body; inhabits shallow, clear water with bright sunlight. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

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

Status & sources

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

Same genus Crenicichla

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Ringtail pike cichlid
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 Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae
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 Pike cichlid (Crenicichla lepidota) — Cichlidae
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Cichlidae
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Fin

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