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Monogram dwarf pike

Teleocichla monogramma

Also known as Monogramma teleocichla

FreshwaterFish

Monogram dwarf pike (Teleocichla monogramma)

Care at a glance

Temperature
79–86°F
26–30°C
pH
6.0–7.2
Adult size
3.1 in
8 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
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Tapajós and Jamanxim rapids

Overview

The monogram dwarf pike is a tiny, current-loving cichlid that lives right on the bottom among stones. It is best kept by someone with some experience.

Did you know

Teleocichla pike cichlids, the monogram dwarf pike among them, live only in rapids and cataracts. That ties their survival to free-flowing rivers. The damming of Amazon tributaries such as the Tapajós is a direct threat to fish like this one.

Caring for the monogram dwarf pike

The monogram dwarf pike is social in a suitable setup, and a small group can share a long tank. Give a group 29 gal (110 L) or more, with brisk current and enough crevices for each fish to claim a hiding spot.

Build a river in the tank, with strong flow from powerheads and a floor of rounded stones and pebbles. It dislikes slow, still water. Bright, oxygen-rich, briskly moving water and clean stone matter more to it than any decoration or a varied menu. Keep the water warm and soft to neutral, at 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2.

Feed small meaty foods such as frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops. It is fairly peaceful and will not touch fish too big to swallow. Choose tank mates with care, since it is easily outcompeted for food.

The monogram dwarf pike is a substrate spawner that hides its eggs in a crevice. Breeding it is of moderate difficulty.

Good to know

Teleocichla monogramma belongs to the cichlid family and is among the smallest cichlids of the Americas. Its genus, Teleocichla, is a group of slender, rheophilic pike cichlids. The species is named for its single thin lengthwise stripe, since monogramma means one line.

In the wild

Teleocichla monogramma lives in the rapids of the Tapajós and Jamanxim rivers in Brazil. It clings to rock in fast, broken, well-oxygenated water.

Common questions

What size tank does a monogram dwarf pike need?

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

What temperature and pH does a monogram dwarf pike need?

A monogram dwarf pike is comfortable at 79–86°F (26–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.

What does a monogram dwarf pike eat?

A monogram dwarf pike eats small meaty foods, such as frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops.

How big does a monogram dwarf pike get?

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

How does a monogram dwarf pike breed?

A monogram dwarf pike spawns on the substrate and hides its eggs in a crevice. Breeding it is of moderate difficulty.

Related species