Centrarchus dwarf pike
Teleocichla centrarchus
Also known as Xingu dwarf pike
FreshwaterFish
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
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Rio Xingu rapids
Overview
The Centrarchus dwarf pike is a small rapids cichlid for a river-style tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.
Did you know
The Centrarchus dwarf pike hops along the bottom in short bursts, like a goby. It is a downsized predator from the pike cichlid line, swapping their torpedo-shaped ambush for that hop.
Caring for the Centrarchus dwarf pike
Keep the Centrarchus dwarf pike as a river fish rather than as a cichlid. Give it at least 29 gal (110 L), with smooth cobble, caves between the stones, strong current and high oxygen. It holds station behind the rocks on the bottom instead of swimming in open water.
Keep the water at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2, with real flow. This fish struggles in still water, no matter how clean the water is. Feed small sinking foods and frozen bloodworm, since it takes food off the stones, not from the surface.
A small group works with other rapids species. It is mostly peaceful, but choose tank mates with caution. It is a cave spawner, and breeding it is moderately difficult.
Good to know
The Centrarchus dwarf pike belongs to the family Cichlidae. Its body is elongated, small-eyed and flattened underneath, a body plan for life in the rapids. It is built to hold position in current rather than chase through open water.
In the wild
The Centrarchus dwarf pike lives in the rapids of the Rio Xingu. It sits on bedrock and cobble in fast, hot water rich in oxygen.
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 does a Centrarchus dwarf pike need?
A Centrarchus dwarf pike is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.
What does a Centrarchus dwarf pike eat?
A Centrarchus dwarf pike eats small sinking foods and frozen bloodworm. It takes its food off the stones, not from the surface.
How big does a Centrarchus dwarf pike get?
An adult Centrarchus dwarf pike reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).
How does a Centrarchus dwarf pike breed?
The Centrarchus dwarf pike is a cave spawner. Breeding it is moderately difficult.
Related species
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Teleocichla monogramma
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