Name That Pike.......

[KurtH]

I purchased 2 Pike Cichlids from my LFS and was adivsed they are the following species:-
Crenicichla Frenata Var
Crenicichla Cyclostoma

Heres the pics I have taken (although they're not the best)

I think this one is a Crenicichla Cyclostoma as advised but not sure

Please help

 

[KurtH]

Oh, and the Pike in the first pic usually has darker markings, but it's water change day so he's a bit pale!

 

[Scatocephalus]

Top pic is Cr. sveni and the bottom is Cr. sp. "Belly Crawler".

My guess is that store personnel received some miscellaneous pikes and did their best trying to ID them from pics on the internet. They came close but weren't quite right.

 

[KurtH]

Thanks for that....the "Belly Crawler"....do they get their names from their manorisms as it does just shuffle about on it's belly?

 

[Scatocephalus]

Thanks for that....the "Belly Crawler"....do they get their names from their manorisms as it does just shuffle about on it's belly?

Exactly. They will swim up into the water column frequently but when resting lay on their stomachs. This is perfectly normal behaviour. If you can get some better pics of the fish out in the open with its dorsal fin extended we can sex it for you. Right now if I had to guess I'd say that both of your pikes are male.

 

[KurtH]

I'll try and get some better pics up, soon as I go near the tank, they all hide,haha

 

[Peanut_Power]

Aye, the definitely do both look male. Congrats on the pike ups! They are both fantastic fish that have tons of personality. Generally get around the same size as well.

 

[Chaitika]

I'll try and get some better pics up, soon as I go near the tank, they all hide,haha

Sit in front of the tank for a while a few times. They'll eventually get used to you being there and will come out.

 

[KurtH]

I've just ordered a new camera which should arrive tomorrow and then i'll sit at my aquarium as you suggest and hopefully get some good pictures.....cheers