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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 inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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 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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