*Christmas* CELIDOS !!

[MTN PIKE]

Not very good photos - taken Tuesday shortly after delivery - Santa express!
Ken Davis/FishFarm USA brought them back from his trip to Uruguay ~ Felipe/AqvaTerra was holding 6 for us, Ken kept 2 - 4 safely arrived here in Colorado.

[Oni Angel-Hannya]

Those are in your tank now?Christmas present to yourself?!?!?!?!Nice,some fresh WC Pikes!!!!

[Hadrian]

Mt. Pike you definitely get the USA Crenicichla MVP award, capping off a sellar year of piking with this grand slam! You will howver be expected to post first class pics on a regular basis to honor your MR. Pike USA status ;) !!! Speaking of which how about some good pics of your other beauties?

[emaughan]

Mtn Pike -
Where in Colorado are you? I moved my family down to the Springs so I could manage a pharmacy (when I was working for Safeway). Born and raised in Boulder - love the state, but I wish more people would find that they hate Colorado and go back to those wonderfull states from where they came.

[Angler]

Another Coloradoan here. Grew up in Georgetown, now I'm in Morrison- Good to see others from this wonderful state on here!

[Dovii dude]

Nice pick up!!!!

[reptech]

i hope santa leaves a few of them for me

[driftwood]

Those are so cool. I love the lipstick thing they have going on. Seems like lots of folks from Colorado around the forums these days. Denver here.

[MTN PIKE]

Hadrian ~ THX for the USA Creni MVP & kudos - will try to post more photos of our other trophy Pikes this coming year. Will definately get more pics up of the celidochilus, growth & progress documentation, and info. These little 'lip-spot' guys remind of our juvie cobras the way they are ~ curious, fearless, all over the place - eat everything!
Have had to separate the two we have - too much conspecific aggression - but they're OK - doin good! We look forward to watching these fish grow & develop...
All you Colorado people - we are just N. of Denver / E. of Boulder - pm me for a visit sometime! our fishroom is worth seeing - show fish galore!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL !!!!

[ewok]

hehe cool
i have no idea these are so rare

but here are pictures of the adults in case people are interested
http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/5491/celidochilus.html

[ShadowStryder]

It is not so much that they are rare, they are rare to the states, which to us I guess is really what matters, but in there home habitat they are not so rare.
In Uruguay, Brazil and many of the countries in SouthAmerica, their restrictions/bans have gotten so stringent that they only allow so many fish to be exported. This could be cause of species decline, loss of habitat, etc.

[killerfish]

cool looking pike what species are they ?

but whats up to every one in Colorado not to many fish stores here ehhh

[MTN PIKE]

Missioneira Group ~ grow to 12", should have nice adult coloration when mature. Not so much that they're rare - only Uruguay is the source for these relatively newly discovered Pikes. It'll be interesting to see their growth. Restrictions on exports is probably a good idea - less depletion of the natural origin. It's sad to go trout fishing & find an area 'fish-ed out' for the season, at least here in the Rockies. Hopefully there'll be no watershed pollution in Uruguay & all the native fish/fauna prosper in their native environ.

[softturtle]

WOW! I didn't expect to see them that soon. Good pick up!

[fishfarm]

ruguay is a mondern country for S. America, very little pollution in the rivers, really beautiful place, Felipe is the only exporter in the entire country, he lives on the south eastern coast and C. celidochilus is at the opposite extrem of the country from where he lives, so only one or two collecting trips a year are made to that area, Several weeks before we were down there he took Sam Sungs group up there and they caught none! They have a very resricted distribution and live in the rocks and are extremely hard to catch. I was lucky enough to buy six from him. 4 went to Colorado and I kept two, I'm going to bring fish in from Uruguay in April, Felipe will have collected that area again by then so hopefully there will be a few more to spread around. Another aspect that will limit Uruguay fish is the government only lets him export 40 boxes a year, in ten lots each quarter of the year. The Germans get the January shipment, I get April. Ken

[sicxspeed]

wow, nice Pike up MTN, those are definitely a rare thing to see in the states....the lip spot is dope.....definitely do your best to keep us posted, not much information on these guys so all the info you give us will be appreciates.....Nice Find Ken.

[Taz2478]

damn, I knew I should of went on that trip.

nice grab Ken and MTN

[fishfarm]

damn, I knew I should of went on that trip.

nice grab Ken and MTN

I'm going back next fall and we WILL got to Artigas and Salto to collect. Think about it, we need 10 people to go to make the trip affordable. Ken

[Hadrian]

sounds like a blast...though celias are not as seductive to me as some others. When is a trip to the Roemariae area of brasil gonna be planned?

[yama]

Good showing. U get mad props.

[fishfarm]

sounds like a blast...though celias are not as seductive to me as some others. When is a trip to the Roemariae area of brasil gonna be planned?

Brazil is closed to collecting so you can't go there and bring back fish, so to me it's a waste of my time to just go and look. Ken

[Hadrian]

ahhh, got it-I wouldn't want to do that either. How are fish legally exported from Brasil?

[driftwood]

sounds like a blast...though celias are not as seductive to me as some others. When is a trip to the Roemariae area of brasil gonna be planned?

Now thats a cool fish. Probably the nicest Pike I've ever seen.

[fishfarm]

ahhh, got it-I wouldn't want to do that either. How are fish legally exported from Brasil?

The Brazilian government considers people like us Bio-pirates, and will prosecute you, I don't need time in a South American jail! There are strict laws for collecting and exporting fish that the commercial collectors have to abide by, it is strictly regulated. Screw up and they revoke your collecting permit. Ken

[Edwin]

pretty dope fish. clean the glass, it will make photo shots alot better. lol

[MTN PIKE]

OK - OK - of course will clean the glass for the next batch of pics, was trying to get some shots of all 4 while they were still together. At the moment we have our two separated with a divider in the same tank - so they can still interact. Feed them 3 or 4 times a day! They are not shy! come to the front of the glass begging for food ~ dancing & shaking.

[Felipe Cantera]

Hi Guys!
First of all; sorry for my english....its very bad, but I will try;
1) The C.celidochilus dont belong (yet) to any group, so the celis are not in the missioneira or lugubris group.
2) The C.celidochilus are VERY RARE in deed!!, very hard to catch...impossible with sein or traps, just castnets or hooks....and even then very hard....we are always 2 or 3 people who try (2 days, 8-9 hours a day) and the best result until now is 17 celidochilus....not so many when you have 640 klms. to drive!

Felipe Cantera
www.aqvaterra.com

[fishfarm]

Felipe, You always appologize for your English, which is very good!! I wish I could switch between 3-4 languages in one conversation the way you do! Ken

[ShadowStryder]

Felipe, Very glad to have someone of your caliber on this board. Great.
Looking forward to your contributions to discussions in the future.

[MTN PIKE]

HOLA FELIPE! ~ welcome to this forum, your input is greatly appreciated! Maybe now people will understand how difficult it is to collect celidochilus, hearing directly from you. I think you're the only person to catch them, and guide groups to their source! After reading some of Vin Kutty's articles and talking with Ken Davis & Jeff Rapps, a visit to Uruguay would be fantastic. As Ken has said, the cost is very reasonable.
Thanks for the clarification as to 'NO GROUP' for celidochilus, I've read elsewhere they are included in the Missioneria group.

[Felipe Cantera]

Thanks all of you for your welcoming words!

"Thanks for the clarification as to 'NO GROUP' for celidochilus, I've read elsewhere they are included in the Missioneria group"
Yes I know....and if you ask me....I think it should!

"I think you're the only person to catch them"
I think so too.
The reason can be;
1) Brazil; nobody collects in Rio Grande Do Sul, south Brazil and the celidochilus are just in/around the Rio Cuareim, border to Uruguay.
2) Argentina; the only possibility for them to collect the celidochilus is the Rio Uruguay....and as far as I know, nobody has collected them in the Rio Uruguay.
(here in Uruguay, we dont have any celidochilus in the Rio Uruguay).
For some months ago, I collected some celidochilus in the Rio Tacuarembo and in the Rio Yi (central-north and central Uruguay), but just a few, with some C.minuano and C.missioneira....I dont know what Sven Kullander think about the minuano and missioneira from the Rio Yi (he was here 4 times for collecting with me and he have minuano and missioneira from the 2 diff. basins)....but "in my eyes" they are diff. from the minuano and missioneira from the Rio Cuareim and Rio Uruguay.

[sicxspeed]

Very glad to have you on board.....you will definitely help Crenicichla keepers like me with your knowledge, great addition to the already great cast in this Forum that have been teaching me alot...

[Gourami Swami]

Im from jersey :(

Lol, really nice pikes man

[MTN PIKE]

Where in NJ? I moved to the Colorado Rockies in the 70's from Jersey - don't really miss the East Coast!

Will post more lip-spot pics as they grow & change ~ maybe every few weeks or so.....
our two are real healthy - tend to exercise their elastic stomachs on a daily basis!

[sicxspeed]

can't wait.,

[Taz2478]

nice, we got a guide and travel agent.

Pike Crew trip???

[Greenaveli]

Pike Crew trip???

I am definitely up for that. Definitely just need a few months in advance and I am there with bells on!

[fishfarm]

Good! Collecting season starts in November down there (Spring time for them)
I was talking with Felipe yesterday about putting together a trip to western Uruguay the fisrt week of December 2008, We need 10 people to make it cost effective per person, interested? Ken

[MTN PIKE]

Some shots tonite! took over twenty ~ only these 4 are semi-decent...
They're about a 1/2" longer & bulkier, showing some color! Man do these guys EAT!! Too soon to tell sex ~ still hopin for a pair....
Still separated - Will try them back together in a community tank in a couple months.

[Greenaveli]

Nice!! They look like they put on a good bit of size from the original pics

[ShadowStryder]

NIce Mt. Pike, color is really starting. What are you feeding?

[MTN PIKE]

Usual diet of: cichlid sticks, differing pellets ~ sinking/floaters - BB size & larger, blood worms, krill, some shrimp, - - these guys will even take flake! sometimes some spiro....
Haven't given them any vitamins yet & they're too small for larger 'trout-chow' type pellets. We have lately backed off from live-feeder goldfish ~ some of our larger Pikes miss'em, prolly better off without!

I'll try and get some better pics up next Time!!

[MTN PIKE]

Quik update ~ one jumped the barrier & got pretty beat on - was just layin on the bottom after return to it's side... is doin much better now, recuperating from some caudal + dorsal fin chewing ~ SIGH - - Life with Pikes! am hoping maybe these two might be a future pair - NO LUCK @ the Moment.... (not sure of sex yet!!)

Not much change from the January photos ~ both are a little longer & bulkier. Lately they've been showing less coloration, maybe that'll change with Springtime and some more growth. ~~ * promise more pics when worthwhile . . . HEH HEH ^^^^^

[robmcd]

Duuude!!! I am so jealous right now. So when those hopefully pair up and spawn, PLEEEASE give us crenicichlaholics a shot a them first. If I only get to keep one pike for the rest of my life, its celidos. (hopefully got some beanii comin in a couple months, my 2nd on the must get list, cross my fingers)

[kendog1]

nice grab, its not what you know but who you know, the dots on the lips are kewl

[Peanut_Power]

Don't forget you need to give them that cool down period...;). It'll help put them in the mood. Just drop the temp to around 60 degrees or so for a month or two. Being from Uruguay and all, they are used to the cold temp during certain months.

BTW...you seem to have crap for luck with those dividers..haha...I think you need to beef them up a little!! Probably one of the more aggressive conspecific pikes eh?

[Opiate]

aww man sooo jealous!!

[MTN PIKE]

These guys are way too small to think of breeding ~ don't know sex yet! We know about the cooler seasonal water temps, got some tips from Mr. Kutty on Celidochilus - his pair is doin great! About the conspecific aggression... Ken Davis is pretty sure he's got a pair. They are in the same tank together, along with 2 minuano and 2 missioneria, all about the same size. There are no aggression issues at all, could be a matter of time!

(Robmcd ~ hope you don't pay $500 for a Beani which is what Rapps sold his male for)

[fishfarm]

I'm positive I have a pair now, They wacked the other 4 pikes in one day and still hang together, Mine are bigger than John's, so maybe fry this year! They have been at 65-70F since December and went through winter in Uruguay before I got them so they have had a long cool down period, My hatchery is starting to warm up so I hope all the Uruguay fish breed for me this Spring. Ken

[ShadowStryder]

As for as a cooling down period is this needed for all pikes or just the Uruguay species?
To be specific for my Tapajos and Trombeta Marms.

[fishfarm]

Hell no those guys come from central Brazil, never gets cold there! Uruguay is so far south it's a temparate country so the fish breed better if cooled down for a few months. Ken

[MTN PIKE]

Shadow ~ was going to say the same thing - thanks Ken! Uruguay is South of the equator with winter/summer seasons. If you're thinking of breeding your lugubris Pikes, one trigger is upping the temp a few degrees, soft water (maybe RO). Good luck to anyone trying to breed the bigger pikes, not many people have had success.

[Peanut_Power]

Ken, I seriously hope you are able to breed your celidochilus. That would be totally awesome man! You might just have the right stuff, with your awesome water and all. Fingers crossed eh.

BTW...lemme know when that shipment comes in in April! :D

[MTN PIKE]

Felipe/Aqvaterra has bred his Celidos !!!! In the same tank with others.... sure would like to see some baby 'lip-spot' pics!

Update on ours: biggest is about 4.5" - both are doin well, bulking-up & growin'. No color recently - will post new photos when something notable happens... Has anyone else ever noticed juvie pikes showing adult coloration - for a 2 to 3 week period, then back to bland? Our 'mystery' lacustris had some color briefly when about 3.5", then the color vanished. Maybe some juvie pikes show a flash of brief adult colors at a certain stage.

[Taz2478]

guess Felipe doesn't have a camera. would be nice to see where they spawned and how many.

will settle for pics of yours.

[fish speaker]

Just re-reading this thread, I had a couple of questions: what size tank are you keeping your 2 in? I see that you have them divided, but do you have other fish in the tank with them? Along those lines, I guess any other fish would also have to be tolerant of the lower temperature "cool down" season, which might make it a challenge. Any recommendations for tankmates, or would you recommend against that?

[MTN PIKE]

Our one remaining celido is a healthy 5" - isn't growing as fast as earlier, happily in a 20g for now. No color to mention, probably needs a couple more inches. No tankmates at the moment but that will change, we like to keep Pikes with other fish - believe they do better in the community environ.
Anyone getting some 'lip-spots' from Ken? think that shipment is due in from Uruguay this week. will be very nice fish if 8"+....... (from Felipe's personal tank)

[fish speaker]

I'm on the list for this shipment. From what Ken has said, there was a strike by the Uruguay customs agents last week, so shipment has been rescheduled for next week...assuming they are back on the job.

[fishfarm]

Looks like the strike is over and fish will come first week of June, very frustrating for me, but especially for Felipe, he had to cancel some trips and refund some money because of the strike.
I lost my male to an intestinal problem, he **** out about 3" of gut, they dont recover from that, female looks great, at 4.5" she has a very red belly, I'll pick her out a boyfriend from the new group. John you must have a male.
I should be getting in 12 fish, 6 are already sold so don't wait if you are interested.
I believe the fry were eaten by the other pikes as Felipe is not set up for breeding. Ken

[Scatocephalus]

I lost my male to an intestinal problem, he **** out about 3" of gut, they dont recover from that...

Wow, that's unfortunate but it reminds me of a joke I heard years ago. The punchline was along the lines of "With the help of the Lord and a big stick I got them (guts) back in".

[Peanut_Power]

Wow! That sucks man! I really hope you are able to get another pair formed from the new ones coming in! That would be awesome if you could get them to breed for you here in the states! :D You know you have the right water and facilities to do so!! :)

Jon, you only have one celid. left? What happened?! Oh man, that sucks!

[fishfarm]

Yeah me too, Felipe did correct me on his fry, he has about 15 @ 3 cm that survived. Maybe I can get him to ship them to me. Ken

[Peanut_Power]

Yeah me too, Felipe did correct me on his fry, he has about 15 @ 3 cm that survived. Maybe I can get him to ship them to me. Ken

THAT would be awesome!! Definately more manageable, and cheaper!! :D :D :D Work your magic Ken! :D

[fishfarm]

He said no, First spawn, want to get an article out of them. He still has the pair so maybe they will spawn again in the Spring (Nov) Ken

[MTN PIKE]

We'll be looking for Felipe's article on breeding Celidochilus, seems that these Pikes will spawn in aquaria given the right conditions! Vin Kutty is also writing a piece for the ACA BB mag. - to be published soon. He'll be trying again this fall, hopefully with more success since his pair did lay eggs shortly after Felipe's last fall. We may even have some luck out Rky. Mtn. way later this year! Fastfish has 4 growing out in a nice tank set-up!
No real news on our solitary male ~ he's a good 5" now, not growing in length but bulking up! Recently starting to show some orange on the sides, LOOKIN GOOD!!!!

[Peanut_Power]

Gorgeous!! Sounds like a great thing! Man I wish I could get my hands on some.

Ken, how many do you have still? :D :D :D

[MTN PIKE]

Ken had 2 pair of celidos for sale in the rental tank room. Someone was interested in a pair but I think they balked at the price. He's going back for more in early December, would like to go myself - maybe next year! The trip to Uruguay with Felipe/Aqvaterra is supposed to be one of the best collecting trips offered, plus great food & accommodations, a real adventure!

[ShadowStryder]

I know that turtle_slayer bought some of the celidochilus from Ken. Not sure when though.

[fishfarm]

I have the two pairs left, that's it out of twleve I imported, won't be any more until Dec, that's if we can catch some while I am there. Ken

[turtle_slayer]

I know that turtle_slayer bought some of the celidochilus from Ken. Not sure when though.

Yep I got three. They are very nasty. I made the mistake of putting about 20-25 danios and two little goldfish in from my other tank as feeders. In no time they had killed every last one and only ate a few. I was picking mangled danio carcasses out of my tank all afternoon.

They rule the tank they even pick on my convicts, my 10" cobras didn't even do that. I also noticed when my dog wags his tale (he has a white tip on his tale that is just level with the bottom of the tank) all three fly up to the glass and try and get his tale hilarious :ROFL: I'll try and get it on my camera.

I have a couple pics and a video I'll post soon.

MTN PIKE you said you had one remaining male what happened to the other two?

[Felipe Cantera]

[quote=turtle_slayer;2030876;]Yep I got three. They are very nasty. I also noticed when my dog wags his tale (he has a white tip on his tale that is just level with the bottom of the tank) all three fly up to the glass and try and get his tale hilarious :ROFL: I'll try and get it on my camera.
quote]


:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:
I am glad to hear that you got "Real" celidos!!!!!! ;)
None other pike compares to them....I have 8 between 15 and 22 cms. and the only chance to keep them togheter is in one 550 liters tank with 12 Australoheros 13-17cms. + 4 G.sp.cf brasiliensis 18cms. and of course.....tons of tetras!

Felipe
www.aqvaterra.com (http://www.aqvaterra.com)

[MTN PIKE]

What size are the tetras ? The tank is approx. 125 gal. - 6' long ??? We'd like to see a photo of your 8-9" celiodos, are they at the maximum size - or are they larger in the wild? Your community tank mix sounds ideal ~ Uruguay Style!!!

T.S. - I can see your vid now --- "Tail Chasin 'Lip-Spots'"

[fishfarm]

Some of Felipe's Celidochilus. Ken

[Peanut_Power]

Still one of my all time fav. of the Crenicichla! Just LOVE their colors!

[Felipe Cantera]

What size are the tetras ? The tank is approx. 125 gal. - 6' long ??? We'd like to see a photo of your 8-9" celiodos, are they at the maximum size - or are they larger in the wild? Your community tank mix sounds ideal ~ Uruguay Style!!!

T.S. - I can see your vid now --- "Tail Chasin 'Lip-Spots'"

1) Size of the tetras....hummm...i dont know....they are food!:)
I always bring home a lot of Astianax for the pikes, hoplias and turtles...

2) Ken!, thanks for the pictures!!....you know how "good" I am with my PC...:ROFL:
I have more pictures of the pikes!!; www.aqvaterra.com (http://www.aqvaterra.com)

3) The biggest I collected was around 23-24cms.

4) Community tank; I have the "medium" celidos with diff. gymnos, other pikes as minuano, missioneira and scottii, and the "small" ones with a big group of Pseudorynopoma doriae, gymnos,saxatillis and punctata

[MTN PIKE]

Thx. Felipe! and Ken for the specimen photos ~ looks like fully grown size is 9" - 10". Any determination yet what group Crenicichla? or are they a separate Class of a known group, maybe lacustris ? I've noticed on other websites there's another sp. celidochilus, are there differing varieties?
I find it fascinating that you keep several pike species with the 'small' & 'medium' celidos! Thanks for the community tank description, don't your pikes engorge themselves with swarms of tetra 'feeders' ?
Other than a cool-down period similar to Uruguay seasons, do you have any 'tips' for breeding? Mucho Gracias Felipe, we'll look forward to hearing about some of the collecting trips this Fall! Seems like your expeditions are some of the best - hope to make it next year!!

[Peanut_Power]

Mucho Gracias Felipe, we'll look forward to hearing about some of the collecting trips this Fall! Seems like your expeditions are some of the best - hope to make it next year!!

:iagree: I think we all need to start saving up now to make that trip next year!!! We could make it a Crenicichlaholic extravaganza!! :D

[Felipe Cantera]

Thx. Felipe! and Ken for the specimen photos ~ looks like fully grown size is 9" - 10". Any determination yet what group Crenicichla? or are they a separate Class of a known group, maybe lacustris ? I've noticed on other websites there's another sp. celidochilus, are there differing varieties?
I find it fascinating that you keep several pike species with the 'small' & 'medium' celidos! Thanks for the community tank description, don't your pikes engorge themselves with swarms of tetra 'feeders' ?
Other than a cool-down period similar to Uruguay seasons, do you have any 'tips' for breeding? Mucho Gracias Felipe, we'll look forward to hearing about some of the collecting trips this Fall! Seems like your expeditions are some of the best - hope to make it next year!!

Hummmm.....sorry...but I am far away from a breeder...I am just a collector!
The celidos babies are now 7-8cm.
I give them (like to all the other pikes I have) tetras (between october and april = collecting season), worms (?right word?) twice a week all year, and dry food.
:)

[MTN PIKE]

Update on growth ~ about 9 months now since arrival- our 5 1/2" lip spot has had orange/red sides for about 4 weeks now, permanant coloration that has been deepening and slowly growing larger. Pics don't show orange on the dorsal fin, suddenly much more pronounced. We're beginning to wonder if our male is a FEMALE? Sending some pics to Felipe & Kutty for their input.... Will post more info + pics, the growth and emergence of these Pikes is rewarding to observe. Hope Y'all like the progression reports of this fish, we're happy to be growing out a future show specimen.

[fishfarm]

Looks good John, I still have 5 more for sale. :) Jeremy we are going to be collecting celidos in Dec. You should bite the bullet and go THIS year. Not to late to join the trip. Ken

[pwmin]

looking good, Jon. thanks for the update

[turtle_slayer]

Stunning fish MTN I am envious.
I was not as fortunate with my Celidos. They fought constantly but it seemed like they were very evenly matched and no single fish claimed dominance. I thought this a good thing. When I woke up this morning I had planned on getting some shots for an update. But noticed the largest was noticably wounded going belly up every once and a while. I found the other two stuck to the intake pickups. The largest doesn't look like its going to make it either. :cry:

[MTN PIKE]

T_S ~ All 3 are gone? Maybe the largest is hangin in there - hope so... They must've had a massive fight and trashed each other. Were they in a tank by themselves?
Fastfish (local friend) has 4 celidos in a 125 with some other tankmates, so far they're getting along well. We each got a pair last December, he got 2 more from Ken this spring.

[channarox]

very nice lookin pikes! :drool:

[fishfarm]

I have 5 together in a 40 gallon, no problems. I don't even see them chase each other except when I feed them. Ken

[turtle_slayer]

I have 5 together in a 40 gallon, no problems. I don't even see them chase each other except when I feed them. Ken

The largest died as well.
I had them in my planted 180w with plenty of caves and hiding spots. There was no mistaking the fact that they did not like each other. I kept them with a handfull of dithers mollies and platties. Easy come easy go I guess :(

[MTN PIKE]

Don't know bout "easy come -easy go" , only Felipe Cantera/AqvaTerra has made it possible to acquire the elusive 'lip-spots'. We might see some more after this December's collecting trips (wish I was going - sigh).

In the last month ours has just gotten better - now a good 6" with more color, really has been great to have this beauty since last December, will post some up-date photos soon. Watching the growth progression and evolution of relatively new Pikes is really facinating! It's rewarding to be able to nurture and grow-out special fish, makes fish keeping interesting and very worthwhile!!!

[pwmin]

sounds great. I can wait for the new pix.

[MTN PIKE]

A YEAR AGO TODAY ! Apologies for no recent pics, about 2 weeks ago our female went into winter mode and lost the bright orange coloration on her sides ~ she's a good solid 6" now.

[MTN PIKE]

Photos taken yesterday of "Fast Fish" 's four celidos. His group is doing really well - the largest 8" male and the one female (about 6") are acting like they may breed. After a cool-down over the winter he started gradually upping the temp a few weeks ago. The pikes responded with much more activity and really colored up! WE're hoping to maybe see some eggs soon!

Our solitary female is about 6", healthy but still drab looking. She hasn't bulked up like FastFishes group. I was amazed to see how big and thick his males have gotten. I suspect even more color on them in a few weeks.

Check out Vin Kutty's Celidochilus article in the ACA February BB - these are some of the most beautiful Pikes known!!!!

[BigPic]

Great fish! I wish we had seen some on our trip, but, waters were high and I think we missed some fish because of it. . . I guess that gives me a reason to go back! It's true!

Ray

[Felipe Cantera]

Great fish! I wish we had seen some on our trip, but, waters were high and I think we missed some fish because of it. . . I guess that gives me a reason to go back! It's true!

Ray

Or maybe we missed the celidos because the middle and upper Rio Cuareim was not included in the itinerary?? ;)
(it's true!!:D)

[BigPic]

Or maybe we missed the celidos because the middle and upper Rio Cuareim was not included in the itinerary?? ;)
(it's true!!:D)

I could have been that too :ROFL: but, I was really excited about the minuano as well. . . Like I said, just a reason to go back :headbang2

Ray

[fishfarm]

We plan to spend two full days at the ranch at Rincon de Pacheco just to catch Celidochilus. I still have spots open for the December trip! Ken