Mixing pikes?

[fish speaker]

I've seen threads with people keeping several pikes of different species in the same tank, so I know that it is sometimes done. I have several pikes, and have not had any reason to house any different species together. My question is, are there any basic guidelines on when it might work?

Thanks.

 

[Peanut_Power]

I've seen threads with people keeping several pikes of different species in the same tank, so I know that it is sometimes done. I have several pikes, and have not had any reason to house any different species together. My question is, are there any basic guidelines on when it might work?

Thanks.

Start young, and do so in LARGE groups. Generally its done with Lugubris group pikes, but it can be done with Saxatilis and dwarf pikes as well....not dwarf and Saxatilis together though...haha. Generally, Lugubris pikes are 'mellow' when they are younger, which I'm sure you know by now. As they grow they get more aggressive towards other pikes and start pairin up. Thats where the large groups comes into play. It lowers the aggression on any one pike, as well as disrupting any otherwise serious behaviour. Unless the pikes were raised together, or are a pair, trying to keep two different species or even two pikes of the same species will end in unpleasant results.

To recap, here are the general things to do if you are wanting to house several species of pikes together long term:

1. GET A LARGE TANK! 125gal minimum...with larger being MUCH better!

2. Start them off young.

3. Get large groups, at least three of each species.

4. Constant vigile over them, aggression can be a killer in these types of setups, so you always have to keep an eye on things.

5. Hiding places. With pikes, out of sight out of mind applies. So if the aggresse can get away from the aggressor it helps out bunches.

6. Keep their bellies full!! A full pike is a less aggressive, more content pike.

 

[fish speaker]

Thanks for the tips! That's exactly what I needed to know. I don't have any plans to mix at the moment, but wanted to make sure that if the issue ever came up, I wouldn't make an expensive, painful mistake.

 

[MTN PIKE]

Am in total agreement with P_P! Start with younger Pikes and have plenty of hiding places ~ rocks/caves, driftwood, PVC. We also use 'fake' plants & flowerpots. One thing not mentioned is add'l tank-mates, cichlid & others... as dither fish and also for comfort.
Some Pikes can be skittish, if other fish are calm they tend to be also. Differant fish seem to lessen aggression between conspecifics, and would certainly help with a 'mixed' Pike tank. The most important thing is to vigilant! I don't think most people would want to risk loosing nice Pikes - what seems to be peaceful can at any moment be a disaster.... especially when they reach sub-adult size! Be sure to have other tank space (or dividers) ready if you try mixing differant Pike species. I wouldn't recommend it for a casual fish-keeper. Good luck!