All fish / Cichlidae

Scott's Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla scottii

Also known as scotti pike cichlid, crenicichla scotti, scott's pike cichlid, pike cichlid

A slim, torpedo-like pike cichlid with a long dorsal fin, a brownish body speckled with dark spots and a dark spot near the tail, and males often showing pale dots on the fins. It is one of the smaller pike cichlids and comes from subtropical waters, so it suits keepers who want a predatory cichlid without heating to tropical levels.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single specimen or a compatible pair

Diet

Carnivore: small fish, earthworms, prawns, mussel, bloodworm and quality sinking carnivore pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Paraná and Uruguay river basins and coastal drainages of southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina

Breeding

A cave spawner that lays eggs on the roof of a cave or under a flat stone, with both parents guarding eggs and fry. It has been bred in captivity fairly readily once a compatible pair forms, and a cooler winter period may help trigger spawning.

Good to know

It is predatory and territorial, so any fish small enough to swallow will be eaten and tankmates should be robust and similar in size. It prefers cooler water than most South American cichlids and is easily confused with related southern species such as Crenicichla lepidota.