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Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae

Striped pike cichlid

Crenicichla vittata
Family: Cichlidae

The Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

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Description

The Striped pike cichlid is a pike cichlid (Cichlidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 31 cm and has an elongate, streamlined body with a large mouth, adapted to ambush hunting. It has an elongate body with a dark longitudinal band and fine spots. As a predator it shelters among roots, plants and wood and seizes small fish and large invertebrates. It is an attentive parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped pike cichlid?

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

Where does the Striped pike cichlid live?

The Striped pike cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

How big does the Striped pike cichlid get?

The Striped pike cichlid grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Striped pike cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped 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.

More photos

Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Gabriel Albelda (CC BY 4.0)
Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Striped pike cichlid (Crenicichla vittata) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Ariel Rotondo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Striped pike cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla vittata
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Pike cichlid; Lateral striped pike cichlid sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay 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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