cobra questions

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fish speaker

Candiru
MFK Member
Mar 9, 2006
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NC, USA
I have a supplier who says he is expecting some cobra pikes in a shipment that will be coming in soon (he also cautions that he won't know for sure what is coming until he opens the box). I've seen a few posts and pictures here, so I know some members have them or have had them in the past. Any descriptions of what I could expect, recommendations or cautions about these? I'm not dead set on these, but they are tempting...
 
A friend of mine has a pair in his 90 gallon that he got from Rapps about 2 years ago. They were about 4"-5" when he got them, now they are about 12"-13" and feisty! They seem to go in and out of phases where they beat the crap out of various co-inhabitants and each other. Here are a couple of links to his fish and his user name here is MATTCB if you want to pm him.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64536
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84321
 
Also, I have some atabapo fires, and some (probably) Xingu I (among others). How different a look would you say the cobras would have once in adult color/pattern?
 
Here's a photo of our pair last winter. He started beating on her this spring so they were separated. We took her to Sacramento ACA in July (she didn't place!). He was 1st in class @ last year's ACA Chicago! Since returning from Sacramento they're back together & seem really happy in a 50G. breeder tank by themselves. Would be nice if they tried to breed.... Their juvie 'camo' pattern is striking & unique.

Cobras.jpg
 
MTN PIKE;1065957; said:
Since returning from Sacramento they're back together & seem really happy in a 50G. breeder tank by themselves.

This is interesting. I've known a number of people that have placed young pikes in a smaller tank. The fish grow, get along well, appear to be paired. Then they are transferred into a large tank because it is more room for breeding only to have the pair bond broken and one fish murdering the other.

Liebel's marmorata were bred in a 75 from what I recall. The only spawning record of "Xingu I" took place in a 125. I have a friend that keeps a pair of "Xingu I" in a 30 gallon tank!

My "lents" are in a 125. I have the opportunity to move them up but it makes me nervous as they get along so well where they are.
 
If its workin out and they are comfy might as well just keep them where they are. Why try to fix something if its not broken? lol Tis odd though why sometimes the pair bonds are broken. Perhaps the misleading possibility of finding a better mate? lol

Cobras are GREAT pikes. I got five juvs. from Anthony before he stopped selling fish, tis a pitty too cuz he had some great deals on pikes...lol. Anyway, for the most part they were relatively mellow, especially when compared to sp. 'xingu II' or lenticulata. I would almost prefer them to keep thier juv. coloration though, its so unique and striking, its almost sad when it goes...lol. If you've got the space, go for it! Very awesome pikes! :D
 
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