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Ternetz's pike cichlid (Crenicichla ternetzi) — Cichlidae

Ternetz's pike cichlid

Crenicichla ternetzi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ternetz's pike cichlid (Crenicichla ternetzi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
24.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America, in river rapids, in shallow, clear water.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Crenicichla ternetzi is a pike cichlid (family Cichlidae) of South America. The species reaches about 25 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with a large mouth, characteristic of the predatory pike cichlids. It is rheophilic and lives in the rapids of rivers, where it finds shelter against back currents in shallow, clear, well-lit water. 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 Ternetz's pike cichlid?

The Ternetz's pike cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Rheophilic pike cichlid that lives in rapids and hunts fish; substrate brooder.

Where does the Ternetz's pike cichlid live?

The Ternetz's pike cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America, in river rapids, in shallow, clear water.

How big does the Ternetz's pike cichlid get?

The Ternetz's pike cichlid grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Ternetz's pike cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Ternetz's pike cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Ternetz's pike cichlid edible?

The Ternetz's pike cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ternetz's pike cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Crenicichla ternetzi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Natural range
South America, in river rapids, in shallow, clear water. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and large invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Rheophilic pike cichlid that lives in rapids and hunts fish; substrate brooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
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. 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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