Pike ID

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J

Jackd

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 16, 2008
365
3
18
Missouri
At the LFS there was a pike and no one could tell me anything but it was " a red pike". It was not red and showed rally no signs of red. Unfortunate when this happens. It was probably 4 to 5 inches long but was really just olive green and no real dark lateral line. Wish I had taken my camera for a shot but did not buy it because I would love a red pike but want it to be red.

Jack
 
Jackd;2112270; said:
At the LFS there was a pike and no one could tell me anything but it was " a red pike". It was not red and showed rally no signs of red. Unfortunate when this happens. It was probably 4 to 5 inches long but was really just olive green and no real dark lateral line. Wish I had taken my camera for a shot but did not buy it because I would love a red pike but want it to be red.

Jack
Click to expand...

Jack you goober!! LOL! You can't look at the juv. coloration of Crenicichla to determine how they are going to look as adults. ;) Most Crenicichla, especially Lugubris group pikes, go through AT LEAST one color change as they mature. ;) So the whole WYSIWYG thing doesn't really work to well for pikes. ;)

Having said that, it was most likely Crenicichla johanna. They are normally refered to as "red pikes, rainbow pikes' and a couple of others. If there was no ocelli at the base of the caudual fin, and the nostrils were close to the end of the snout, then it was almost 100% definitely a johanna. They DO get red as they mature as well, and are some of the most gorgeous species around. Several variants of them. ;) Mike (misplacedsooner) and Scat both have some pictures of their johanna on here, and each is a different variant. Plus look in the Crenicichla ID thread, as well as the Photo shoot. Tons of pictures of johann in there. :)
 
You need a picture reference manual showing juvenile and adults to buy one of the darn things. Guess some other cichlids change as they mature too but these are new to me so I ask questions.
 
Yeah, it helps to know your pikes on sight by memory when it comes to buying them. Otherwise there is no garuantee what you are going to end up with.

Heres an ID thread I made up a while ago. It really needs some more species, and a good update, just finding the time and ambition to do so is lacking. LoL

ID THREAD
 
hey pp... i know i got juvi to adult pics for johannas, sveni, and my lacustris which helps cover that difference in looks as they mature... if you get the time im sure all the other crenicichlaholics can add pics to help make one kick ass id thread. if u got the time... just an idea cuz i know your one of the better EDers
 
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