TankBud

Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid

Crenicichla compressiceps

Also known as Dwarf pike cichlid, Red-finned dwarf pike, Wallaciia compressiceps, Dwarf green pike

FreshwaterFish

Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid (Crenicichla compressiceps)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
5.5–7.0
Adult size
3.1 in
8 cm
Minimum tank
29 gal
110 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Cave spawner · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Lower Rio Tocantins and Araguaia basins of Brazil, among rocks and leaf litter in fast, oxygen-rich water.

Overview

The Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid is a territorial fish for the bottom of a rocky tank full of caves. It is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid is one of the smallest pike cichlids, yet it keeps a fierce temper.

Caring for the Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid

Keep a single Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid or a pair in at least 29 gal (110 L). Build the tank from rocks, wood and caves, with dense structure to break up territory. It stays near the bottom and wants good water movement and plenty of oxygen.

Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Feed meaty foods such as frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped seafood. It is aggressive and will attack fish up to half its length, so choose tank mates with caution.

Males grow larger than females. It is a secretive cave spawner, and a bonded pair raises its fry together inside a hidden crevice. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

The Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid, Crenicichla compressiceps, is a member of the family Cichlidae described by Ploeg in 1986. Recent work moved it to the genus Wallaciia, though the trade still uses the old name. It has a bright red-orange belly and fins with dark barring.

In the wild

The Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid lives in the lower Rio Tocantins and Araguaia basins of Brazil. It hides among rocks and leaf litter in fast, oxygen-rich water.

Common questions

What size tank does a Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid need?

A Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid need?

A Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.

What does a Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid eat?

A Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid eats meaty foods such as frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped seafood.

How big does a Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid get?

An adult Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).

How can you tell a male Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid from a female?

Males of the Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid grow larger than females.

How does a Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid breed?

The Compressiceps dwarf pike cichlid is a secretive cave spawner. A bonded pair raises its fry together inside a hidden crevice, and breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Related species