TankBud

Pike topminnow

Belonesox belizanus

FreshwaterFish

Pike topminnow (Belonesox belizanus)
Vassil · CC0

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
7.9 in
20 cm
Minimum tank
44 gal
165 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Top
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Livebearer · Easy
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Poeciliidae
Origin
Mexico, Central America

Overview

The pike topminnow is a slender surface predator that hangs near the top, waiting to ambush smaller fish. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The pike topminnow is the only livebearer to have taken up life as a specialized, pike-like fish-eater. It can swallow prey close to half its own length.

Caring for the pike topminnow

Give the pike topminnow a tank of 44 gal (165 L) or larger with a tight lid, since adults are large and predatory. Dense marginal and floating plants, open surface for hunting and calm flow suit it.

Keep the water clean, warm and stable, which keeps this predator settled. Aim for hard water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

The pike topminnow is a committed fish-eater. At first it often takes only live food, such as surplus livebearers. Later you can wean it onto fresh and frozen meaty foods.

It is aggressive and will eat anything that fits in its mouth. House it only with robust fish close to its own size, or keep it on its own. A single fish or a small group is fine if the tank gives them space.

Females grow much larger than males. The male fertilizes the female internally with a gonopodium, and she gives birth to live, fully formed young. A single female can drop a large brood of up to a hundred or more fry. The species breeds readily, but rear the tiny predators apart from the adults.

Good to know

The pike topminnow, Belonesox belizanus, is the largest livebearer in the family Poeciliidae. Its long jaws are lined with teeth.

In the wild

The pike topminnow lives in the warm lowlands of Mexico and Central America. It favors still and slow-moving waters such as ditches, ponds, marshes and mangrove edges, often thick with plants.

Common questions

What size tank does a pike topminnow need?

A pike topminnow needs at least 44 gal (165 L). It spends most of its time in the top.

What temperature and pH does a pike topminnow need?

A pike topminnow is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a pike topminnow eat?

A pike topminnow is a committed fish-eater. At first it often takes only live food such as surplus livebearers, and later you can wean it onto fresh and frozen meaty foods.

How big does a pike topminnow get?

An adult pike topminnow reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).

How can you tell a male pike topminnow from a female?

Females grow much larger than males.

How does a pike topminnow breed?

A pike topminnow female gives birth to live, fully formed young after the male fertilizes her internally. A brood can hold a hundred or more fry. The species breeds readily, but the tiny predators must be reared apart from the adults.

Related species