All fish / Cichlidae

Gaucho Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla gaucho

Also known as gaucho pike cichlid, crenicichla gaucho, pike cichlid gaucho, クレニキクラ・ガウチョ, 高乔狗鱼慈鲷

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A mid-sized pike cichlid from the fast, rocky upper Uruguay River, with an elongate body, dark bars and blotches, and breeding females that show a reddish belly. It is kept by South American cichlid enthusiasts who enjoy its bold behaviour and the challenge of a rheophilic subtropical species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single specimen or a bonded pair

Diet

Carnivore: insect larvae, shrimp, earthworms, quality pellets and frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Uruguay River basin, southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina)

Breeding

A cave spawner that lays eggs on the roof of a cave or under a flat stone, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry. It has been bred in captivity by specialists given cool, well oxygenated water and plenty of rock cover.

Good to know

Prefers cooler, strongly flowing and oxygen rich water, so avoid keeping it permanently warm. Very territorial towards its own kind and will eat small fish, so house only with robust tankmates in a large rockwork tank.