Centrarchus dwarf pike
Teleocichla centrarchus
Also known as Xingu dwarf pike
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 79–86°F (26–30°C)
- pH
- 6.0–7.2
- Adult size
- 3 in (7.5 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 29 gal (110 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Rio Xingu rapids
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
Keep this one as a river fish rather than a cichlid: strong current, smooth cobble, caves between the stones and high oxygen. It hops along the bottom in short bursts like a goby, holding station behind rocks rather than swimming in open water. A small group works in a 110 liter river tank with other rapids species. Feed small sinking foods and frozen bloodworm; it takes food off the stone, not from the surface.
In the wild
Teleocichla centrarchus lives in the rapids of the Rio Xingu, on bedrock and cobble in fast, hot, well-oxygenated water. Keep it at 26 to 30 degrees Celsius and pH 6.0 to 7.2, with real flow. This is a fish that struggles in still water no matter how clean it is.
Good to know
Teleocichla centrarchus reaches about 7.5 centimeters. The genus is the pike cichlid lineage reduced to a rapids-dwelling body plan: elongated, small-eyed and flattened underneath, built to hold position in current rather than chase through open water. It is a cave spawner.
Did you know
Its genus swapped the pike's ambush torpedo for a pogo hop; the predator downsized into a rapids sprite.
Common questions
What size tank does a Centrarchus dwarf pike need?
A Centrarchus dwarf pike needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Centrarchus dwarf pike need?
Centrarchus dwarf pike are comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.
How big do Centrarchus dwarf pike get?
An adult Centrarchus dwarf pike reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Centrarchus dwarf pike?
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Related species
Proselytus dwarf pike
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Wouri krib
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