Well, for starters, Saxatilis pikes are generally smaller, less aggressive, and WAY easier to breed. Lugubris pikes can really get some size on them, can have a lot of attitude, and are notoriously difficult to breed...barely been done at all. You're practically in a whole new ball park. They are pretty much similar with feedin and water parameters, although Lugubris pikes can be more piscivourus and will for the most part require larger food stuffs. Several large, full pieces of cocktail shrimp is a common meal for Lugubris pikes.
Having Saxatilis pikes, I'm sure you know all about the aggression. With Lugubris pikes, they can trick you. As juv. they will actually stay in groups...probably for protection and the like. As they reach the subadult age though, there starts to be changes...in attitude and appearance. In Lugubris pikes this is commonly known as the 'teenage' stage...as they will have mood swings and go through coloration changes. Some Lugubris pikes...like Crenicichla sp. 'xingu I' will go through at least two distinct color changes before reaching maturity. Very amazing and awesome to be able to watch them go through this transformation. They will also generally become more aggressive towards each other to the point that you might have to seperate them. If your lucky though, you might be able to get a pair outa them...or they might live peacefully together...although you have a better chance of gettin a pair.
Best way to bring out the best coloration in them is to give them a VARIED diet! Mysis shrimp, cocktail shrimp, algae wafers, blood worms, blackworms, earthworms, krill, Hikari Sinkin Carnivoure Pellets, squid, clams, catfish fillets. Practically anything meaty they will eat....or not meaty. You just have to experiment.
Personally...i LOVE Lugubris pikes because of their size, attitudes, and coloration...especially the coloration changes they go through. They can be more challenging I think...but are definately worth it!
Get some pictures up of those johannas el pronto aight?!
