All fish / Cichlidae

Tendybaguassu Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla tendybaguassu

Also known as tendybaguassu pike cichlid, crenicichla tendybaguassu, pike cichlid, uruguay pike cichlid

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

A mid-sized pike cichlid from the cool, fast flowing upper Uruguay drainage, with an elongated body, large mouth and a mottled brownish pattern that becomes richer in breeding fish. It belongs to the Crenicichla missioneira group, and specialists keep it for its rarity and lively behaviour in rocky river setups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

14 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single fish or a mated pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Uruguay River basin, Brazil and Argentina

Breeding

A cave spawner in which the female guards the eggs and fry while the male defends the territory. It has been bred by dedicated hobbyists, but a compatible pair and clean, well oxygenated water are needed.

Good to know

Strongly territorial towards its own kind and will eat small tankmates. It prefers cooler, well oxygenated water than most tropical cichlids and is rarely seen in the trade, so expect confusion with related Uruguay basin species.