All fish / Cichlidae

Xingu Pike Cichlid

Lugubria percna

Also known as crenicichla percna, percna pike cichlid, xingu pike, pike cichlid percna, lugubria percna, crenicichla sp. xingu, クレニキクラ・ペルクナ, 斑点狗鱼慈鲷

This is a large, long-bodied pike cichlid from the clear, fast rivers of the Xingu, with a greyish-brown body covered in pale or dark speckles and a dark spot behind the gill cover. Keepers prize it for its striking pattern, hunting behaviour and the bold personality typical of the larger pike cichlids.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

22 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

450 litres

Keep as

Single specimen or a bonded pair

Diet

Carnivore: fish, prawns, earthworms, mussel and quality sinking pellets once trained

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Xingu basin, including the Rio Iriri

Breeding

It is a cave spawner that lays eggs on the roof of a cave or under a flat rock, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry. Captive spawning is uncommon because a compatible pair needs a very large tank, and pairing can end in injury.

Good to know

It is a predator that will eat any fish small enough to swallow and is highly territorial towards its own kind and other bottom dwellers. Older literature and dealers may still list it under Crenicichla, as the Lugubria group was split off in 2023; it needs well oxygenated water with good flow.