All fish / Cichlidae

Ringtail Pike Cichlid

Saxatilia saxatilis

Also known as ringtail pike cichlid, saxatilis pike cichlid, pike cichlid, crenicichla saxatilis, white-spotted pike cichlid, ring-tailed pike cichlid, saxatilia saxatilis, クレニキクラ・サクサティリス, 虎鳄鱼, 萨克斯虎鳄

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A long, pike-shaped cichlid with a big mouth, a grey-brown to olive body, a dark midline band and a distinctive dark ocellus ringed in pale colour at the base of the tail; males are often sprinkled with pale spots. It is kept for its predatory character and bold behaviour and is one of the more commonly available pike cichlids.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a mated pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern South America: Guianas (Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana), lower Amazon and Orinoco drainages, Trinidad

Breeding

A cave spawner; the pair lays eggs on the roof of a cave or under a flat stone and both parents guard the eggs and free-swimming fry. Breeding is achievable in a large tank with a compatible pair, though the male can turn on the female if she is not ready.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to swallow and is territorial towards its own kind and similar bottom dwellers, so tankmates must be robust and of similar size. Recently moved to the genus Saxatilia, so it may be sold under either name and confused with other spotted pike cichlids.