I first saw a pike cichlid when I was 12 years old and I was enthralled. I never had the opportunity to own one but I've always wanted to know how they behaved and what it meant to care for one. I have an eclipse III 37gallon tall tank and I was wondering if this was appropriate to keep one of these delightful fish in or if I should convert my 75 gallon into a Pike cichlid into a south american tank.
Newto Pikes
- Thread starter LRM
- Start date
ive had pikes, but ive had a few die on me, because i introduced them to my regular tanks. and pike like cold water tanks. dont put a chiller in your tank or anything, theres just no need for a heater, and pikes always do good in groups 2 or more would be good. if your turning your 37g into a pike tank, get about 4-5 dwarfs. or if your turning your 75 into a pike tank, get 2 bigger pikes. there amazing fish..especially when they eat >:]
There great cichlids . Watch ur fingers when u put hand in during water change as they like to think everything is food ! Cetainly makes me jump as they nip a bit lol
gar_lover;3483681; said:
I have 3 different species of pikes, and they are all doing fine in 80*F water. They're mostly tropical south/central american fish, so heated tanks aren't going to kill them. Colder tanks are more likely to do them in.
gar_lover;3483681; said:
Are you talkin about the cichlid or the type that live in North America? Like pickerel and muskie? Cuz if you are talking about the cichlid, then you are WAY off. LoL
I keep all my pikes in 80 to 84 degree water year round. Unless you are talkin about the Uruguay pikes, then you will need a cool down period and keep them in cooler waters.
Crenicichla are generally best kept either as pairs, or single with different cichlids. In larger tanks you can sometimes get away with having multiple species of Crenicichla. It can be risky though, and sometimes ends in disaster.
Personally I'd totally do both. Get some dwarfs for the smaller tank, like Crenicichla notophthalmus, and a Saxatilis pair for the 75. You could try a Lugubris pair in there, but it would be very cramped, and not recommended.
Generally, you will want to buy them in groups of three or more. That way, they will have a better chance of pairing up on their own. Once/If they do that, remove the others that didn't pair up.
If you don't the pair will quickly dispatch of them for you.Kudos on wanting to start a tank with Crenicichla though! They are absolutely amazing fish, and can be very addicting.