Dwarf pikes?

[dirtyblacksocks]

Anyone know much about the habbits of dwarf pikes? Would a 30 gallon long be suitable to keep some in or would aggression issue's get everything killed?

Recommendations on a specific species and how many I should stock?

Any references to their care and behavior? I can't find much through Google.

Thanks.

 

[snapshooter]

Dwarf pikes are just miniature killers. A pair would work in a 30 gallon tank. Lots of caves and driftwood for hiding spaces. Regani are the mildest as far as attitude, but still up there on the Richter scale if the fish are not a bonded pair. Also they seem to be the easiest to obtain. Except for that little green terror called compressiceps. You could probably find them before you'll find the regani.

If you want other fish in the tank, I find that large bodied tetras like flamebacks or bleeding hearts work better than the smaller type like cardinals. The slender tetras will probably get eaten. Corydoras and small plecos will be harrassed because they occupy the same space as the pikes.

Google Mostly Cichlids for Vinny Cutty's site with information on a myriad of species, the Cichlid Room Companion for a few good pictures and some taxonomy. Of course, the pike lovers here have a plethera of knowledge and experience.

FB

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

Are these little guys properly labeled as crenchicichla comps.?

Are congo tetra a little too large to keep up with these fish, how would you recommend I pair them off in a 30 gallon long, just overstock and wait for two to start defending an area?

Thanks again for the information, I realize this is probably pretty redundant and amatuer for most of you.

 

[snapshooter]

Yes they are. They seem to be of good size as well.

I think congo tetras would be of good size.

Usually buying 6 will give you a 50/50 chance of getting a pair. One thing I try to do is watch the tank and see if two fish are hanging out together, keeping the others at bay.

Or you could try to sex them and pick just two. Look at their fins to determine sex.

Female

Male

HTH and good luck!

FB

 

[fishfarm]

I can easily send you pairs, several females are rather plump. I think you'd have more success letting them pair off naturally, forced pairing of pikes is a gamble. Ken

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

I don't really believe in force pairing anything, I'd rather let the two healthiest fish in the tank prevail so that the young carry stronger genes.

That fin striping certainly makes sexing them a bit easier.

I've got very little experience with congo tetra, but decided to dive into them after speaking with a few friends who are more experienced with aggressive dwarf cichlids.

The tank I've got planned out - if I go this route - is a 30 gallon long heavily planted high tech. I'll probably just put in oto's, 2 bushynose, 6-8 congo's and a pair of those pikes.

Hopefully I don't come across dead oto's every other day, ugh. Algae control may be a bit of an issue with such aggressive dwarves. I'm thinking I might be better off just running a UV sterilizer inline...

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the replies.

 

[Death Pony]

I might be doing the same thing next semester with comprissiceps. I like their body shape and colors better than reganis. Should I just get one if I do that?

 

[Peanut_Power]

Just wish you could get Notos Ken!! Those would sell quick in the states!