Striped Pike-Characin

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Amazon River basin (especially Rio Negro and Orinoco). Inhabits calm surface waters, often near banks covered with overhanging vegetation or among semi-submerged roots.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Striped Pike-Characin (Boulengerella lateristriga). Belonging to the Ctenoluciidae family. Tapered body, incredibly similar to a pike, with a pointed snout extended into a short fleshy rostrum. Reaches 25-26 cm (10 inches).

Social Behavior: Predominantly stationary ambush predator. Remains motionless just below the water surface, often tilted downwards. Peaceful with fish of its size, lives well alone or in small groups.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery/gray-green background with a clear dark lateral stripe running from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail (hence "lateri-striga"). Mature females tend to be slightly rounder.

Aquarium Setup: Tank at least 150 cm (60 inches) long. A sealed and heavy lid is indispensable, as they jump with extreme violence. Leave ample space for surface swimming, with floating plants (e.g. Pistia) to dim the light and provide shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Strict piscivore in nature. In the aquarium it must be accustomed to dead foods: frozen fish, shrimp, earthworms. Rarely accepts dry feeds. The use of live "feeder fish" is discouraged due to disease risks.

Water Quality: Prefers soft (GH 1-10) and slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7.0) waters, typical of South American rivers, although it tolerates neutral parameters. Excellent filtration required due to the polluting diet.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Swallows any fish that fits in its mouth (up to 1/3 of its length). Suitable for community tanks with large bottom and mid-water fish (e.g. large Loricariids, Geophagus, Metynnis).

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely rare in captivity. They are believed to be egg scatterers among surface vegetation with no parental care.

Risks and Diseases: The fragility of the fleshy rostrum is the greatest danger: they tend to crash against the glass if frightened, causing fatal injuries to the snout. Sensitive to poor water conditions.