I was just wondering if it is possible for various Crenicichla species to hybridize? I have seen tons of posts related to the multitude of various intermixings that are possible between a wide range of cichlid species but none really dealing with hybridization between pike cichlid species. Are pike cichlids incapable of interbreeding? Are pikes generally too aggressive with con-specific species regardless of male/female pairings? Has anyone had two species of Crenicichla interbreed such as a female Johanna with a male Lugubris? Just wondering about this. I am no Crenicichla expert but they are by far and away one of the most intriguing families of fish that I have kept and was just looking for others expertise and input on this topic. Thanks in advance for any insight!
Crenicichla Hybridization?
- Thread starter TheeEmotionalPayara
- Start date
I can't say I've ever seen any reportings of it ... pike cichlids seem too smart for it thankfully.
I would think it's definitely possible a lot of south Americans can't but they should because there in the.same genus a good example of this is the green terror being able to breed with a blue acara
One of the main issues with this, is the fact that crenicichla are hard enough to spawn with their own kind...hybridization would be easier if pike weren't so picky about who they sleep with.
There are only a handful of species that have been proven to breed in aquaria, and yet there are only 89 reported species in this genus.
There are only a handful of species that have been proven to breed in aquaria, and yet there are only 89 reported species in this genus.
Hybridization in the wild is totally possible judging by all of the different variants of Lugubris and Saxitilis pikes. In captivity I would say highly doubtful. It's hard enough to get them to ''play nice'' with each other, let alone breed.
Thanks for all of the input guys. Was just something I was wondering about when seeing all of the different cichlid hybrids people experiment with.
I have no doubt that various described and undescribed saxatalis-type Crenicichla from across Uruguay would spawn together. Others as well.
Matt
Matt
I still prefer to think of it as pike cichlid intelligence that prevents it.
