All fish / Cichlidae

Zebra Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla zebrina

Also known as zebra pike cichlid, zebrina pike cichlid, crenicichla zebrina, banded pike cichlid, クレニキクラ・ゼブリナ, 斑马狼鲈, 斑马虎鲷

A long, slender pike cichlid with a pale yellowish to olive body crossed by bold dark bars, which earn it the zebra name. It is kept by cichlid enthusiasts who want a striking, rarely seen predator from fast, clear Brazilian rivers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

25 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a mated pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Xingu basin and other rivers of the lower Amazon region

Breeding

A cave spawner that forms pairs and guards eggs and fry closely. Captive spawning is rarely reported, largely because the fish is uncommon and pairs can be very aggressive towards each other.

Good to know

A predator that will eat any fish it can swallow and is highly territorial, so tankmates must be large and robust. It needs clean, well-oxygenated water with good flow and is sensitive to poor water quality.