Most cichlids will instinctually try to match the color substrate, especially if they are new to a tank, until they get totally comfortable.
Your substrate is very light in color, it almost looks white in the photos.
I would suggest your pike will appear washed out until it feels totally at ease.
I have seen many species of cichlids wash out, and not show true colors if substrate is too light in color.
Here is an example
I had to separate the male haitiensus from its normal tank, and the one it was put in had similar substrate to yours.
Below is its normal color, when kept in a tank with natural color substrate..
I have seen the same type color shifts with Crenicichla I have kept, one of the reasons I always use a more natural color substrate.
Below is are couple underwater shots I took in Colombia in rivers where some pike cichlids species are found.
Many of their habitats are also covered in leaf litter, which helps in making them feel more comfortable.
On occasions where I have used bright substrate, I often use leaf litter to mitigate the stark factor.
