All fish / Cichlidae

Jupia Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla jupiaensis

Also known as jupia pike cichlid, jupiaensis pike cichlid, crenicichla jupiaensis

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A long-bodied pike cichlid from the upper Paraná system with a large mouth, a dark band or spot pattern along the flanks and an eyespot near the tail. It is kept by South American cichlid enthusiasts who enjoy its predatory behaviour and the pair bonding shown at breeding time.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a mated pair

Diet

Carnivore: small fish, prawns, earthworms, insect larvae and meaty frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

Breeding

A cave spawner that lays eggs on the roof of a hidden cave, with both parents guarding eggs and fry. Breeding is possible in a large tank once a compatible pair forms, but pairing can be risky because of aggression.

Good to know

A predator that will eat any fish small enough to swallow and becomes territorial towards its own kind; rarely seen in the trade, so identification against similar Crenicichla species can be uncertain.