All fish / Cichlidae

Heckel's Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla heckeli

Also known as wallaciia heckeli, heckel's dwarf pike cichlid, heckeli pike cichlid, dwarf pike cichlid, crenicichla heckelii, クレニキクラ・ヘッケリー, 赫氏狗头, 赫氏矛丽鱼

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

This is a small, slender pike cichlid with a long dorsal fin, a dark stripe along the flank and, in females, a reddish belly and a spotted dorsal fin. It stays much smaller than most pike cichlids, so keepers who like the group's hunting behaviour and character can house it in a modest aquarium.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

A pair or a single fish; a small group in larger tanks

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, small earthworms and good carnivore pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Tapajós and Trombetas river basins

Breeding

It spawns in caves, and the female guards the eggs and young while the male defends the territory. Breeding works fairly reliably in soft, acidic, warm water with plenty of caves, as long as you have a compatible pair.

Good to know

It will eat small fish such as tiny tetras and fry, and it can be territorial towards other bottom dwellers. Keep it in soft, clean water, because it is sensitive to nitrate build-up.