My new Crenicichla (I think strigata and saxatilis)

[The True Guapote]

Got these three from my lfs, starting to bulk up soMe, I’m guessing they were all shipped together clearly the smallest is a different species. Does my id sound correct? They were $15/each, so I know they’re nothing super rare but they’ve been awesome so far. Growing them out in a 180, I want to add some Cichla in the near future, their only tankmate is a vampire pleco.

 

[The True Guapote]

The smallest of the three.

 

[Gourami Swami]

True IDs on these guys can be tough at a young size but I would guess sp. Venezuela. They are sold at chain stores near me as little guys, that look exactly like yours for around the same price. I have a pair of large adults, they are nice fish.

 

[kno4te]

Looks strigata.

 

[The True Guapote]

Any pix Gourami?

 

[Rocksor]

Find the catch location of the Crenicichla. Strigata are from the eastern part of Brazil where they are no longer allowed to be exported. As adults, strigata will have an outlined black humeral blotch just behind the gill plate.

Post #2 shows a bunch of C. sp Venezuela.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/identification-thread.74063/


Post #20 shows adult strigata with the spot

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cobra-red-tapajos.20694/page-2#post-337916

 

[Gourami Swami]

Any pix Gourami?

This is an old video showing a young one I got from a chain store 8 years ago. At about the 1:15 mark there is close up footage of the pike. I believe this was sp. Venezuela.

And here is a pic of one of my adults

 

[The True Guapote]

Very nice!!

 

[Gourami Swami]

Very nice!!

Thanks. These guys have great personality. Big eaters, and very active. I think you will enjoy keeping them.

 

[The True Guapote]

So far as juveniles they’ve been very entertaining, they’re smashing frozen mysis and bloodworms. My only concern is the two growing faster than the saxatilis and harassing it. I’d like to add some more pike species in the tank as well as a school of dollars for dithers. Any other tankmate suggestions? I prefer to keep it biotope correct (at least confined to SA fish).