crenicichla acutirostris

[ewok]

hi i got my interest very piqued after seeing some beautiful pictures of this species. read a couple of threads about them and had some questions.

1- are you able to keep a few of them together in a tank? a trio to grow out in a 50 would be ok? they would be around 6" or something from what i can gather. is con-species aggression a big issue?

2- i've read that they aren't specialist fish eaters - what are people feeding theirs? are they easy to convert to pellets and krill etc.?

3- what kind of growth rate should be expected with good food, extremely regular water changes etc.

4- around what size can you begin to sex them?

cheers.

 

[fish speaker]

I've only had one, so I can't give an opinion on keeping them together. From what I've seen from mine, their temperament is very "laid back" for a pike. As an example, A couple of years ago, I had mine in a 180 with a pair of Caquetaia spectabilis. The spectabilis spawned in the tank, so I set up a divider that kept most of the fry on the parents' side. I was surprised to see that the ones that got through to the acute's side of the tank were ignored. Mine will stand up to the other fish in the tank, but doesn't go after them. From this behavior, I would assume that they would be more tolerant than most pikes, but that you'd probably have the same issues eventually, with them becoming intolerant once pairs start forming, if you had a group. Just a guess though...

Mine eats NLS "large fish" pellets, krill, frozen...basically whatever I feed the tank. He's been very easy to feed.

Mine's definitely larger than 6". I would think that he's pushing a foot TL, but would have to get a tape out to be sure. He just looks longer than psittacus that are in the tank. Very thin...not as "robust" as the lugubris pikes. I've had mine for about 2 years. His growth is something that I didn't document, but if I remember correctly, I think it was pretty good growth rate up to his current size. I'm not sure how much more he's going to grow, but I don't think I've really seen much lately.

 

[ewok]

cool
thanks for the feedback
i noticed that shark aquarium is carrying some and man... they look great from all those pictures i keep seeing
i think i'm going to bite the bullet and get some!

 

[Peanut_Power]

Thats my man!!! Finally getting the sickness eh?! You'll love them!!!!

Well, where to start. The 50gal tank is not going to work, especially for that many pikes at those sizes. Sorry bro. They might not be as aggressive as other pikes, but they are still fairly aggressive, espcially towards each other. In the 300gal with four of them, they still had aggression towards each other.

They are great pikes, definately get some if you can. Might need a larger tank though, or try to find a matched up, bonded pair if possible. At the sizes that George is selling them for, it should be relatively simple to sex them. Its hit and miss at forced pairing, but at least you have a better idea of your gender ratio.

Growth rate is about the same as any other pike that is getting fed well. Feed them meaty foods, like earthworms, shrimp, mysis, and fish fillets and they will grow rather quickly. Supplement that with pellets and other prepared foods and they will definately take off. Almost all pikes can be 'trained' to eat prepared food, or any type of food for that matter...

 

[ewok]

haha i think the sickness was always inside me but only decided to come out recently hahaha
i've kept A pike before... i think it was probably a venezuelan (???) sorry i am not versed in pikes... yet

hmmm comments well noted on the tank size. i'm going to see if infinite aquatics can find some locally, that way maybe i'll just go and pick my favorite 1 or 2 and keep them separately. i'm bummed that i sold off my tanks a while ago... sigh... but ah well, can't cry over spilled milk eh?

post some pictures of yours!!!

 

[Peanut_Power]

Yeah, I remember you sold all your tanks, and your HOPLARCHUS PSITTACUS!! Seriously, stupid move dude...lol.

Rich has some great pikes right now, trust me. Definately recommend getting some of them. Wait a week or two, and you'll definately have some to choose from.

 

[ewok]

hehe... yeah... oh well i know they are going to R1 Ridah... so at least they will be in good hands

i'll keep bugging rich until he gets some of these bad boys and i'll go over and choose some

 

[Peanut_Power]

Buggin him isn't going to do much good for a few weeks. He is tearing down his systems I guess and expanding so he can get in more fish... So it will be awhile before he can import some more. But have no fear, he will soon!