Ring-tailed Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla saxatilis is a medium-sized pike cichlid from the rivers of the Guianas region. Its long, slender body is gray–olive; along the body there is a band of dark blotches, and on the caudal peduncle a prominent yellow-ringed eyespot. With its huge mouth it is a typical ambush predator.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm of length for a single fish or a pair.
• Caves, roots and rock crevices; a hiding place for each individual.
• Sand substrate, moderate current and good oxygenation; a 30% water change weekly.
• A tight lid.

Carnivorous. Offer frozen mysis, shrimp, bloodworms and fish fillet; it can get used to carnivore granules over time. Live feeder fish carry a risk of disease. For adults, one meal a day or a larger meal every other day is enough.

Territorial toward its own kind and similar bottom-dwelling fish; it judges other fish by their size.

Good companions: fast, robust fish too large to fit in its mouth: large tetras, silver dollars, plecos, South American cichlids of similar size.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, slow and long-finned species.