Zebrina Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla zebrina)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Ventuari River, upper Orinoco in Venezuela. Inhabits exclusively the main rapids and rocky areas with incredibly strong, clear and highly oxygenated waters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Zebra Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla zebrina). One of the largest, most spectacular and expensive Pike Cichlids, with a massive and elongated "missile" body capable of contrasting tumultuous torrents.

Social Behavior: Extremely territorial and aggressive apex predator. In nature it lives solitary to dominate a fishing radius or in a stable pair during reproduction. Does not tolerate its kind nearby.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Breathtaking dark yellow or greenish livery, crossed up to mid-body from the tail by conspicuous black oblique "zebra" stripes on the flanks. Adult females often display a bright red outline on the dorsal fin.

Aquarium Setup: Requires immense aquariums (minimum 180-200 cm / 72-80 inches / 800 liters). Mastodontic filtration, powerful circulation pumps to simulate rapids and large river boulders firmly fixed with silicone. No delicate plant will survive.

Diet and Feeding: Massive piscivorous predator. Must be fed with whole small fish, strips of fish fillet, defrosted prawns (with shell), giant earthworms. Juveniles accept large sticks for big cichlids.

Water Quality: No compromises: requires hyper-oxygenated water and zero pollutant levels. Massive weekly water changes are mandatory to sustain the organic load of this carnivorous giant.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Anything that fits in its immense mouth is food. Should only be placed in "Monster Fish" tanks with large Loricariids (large Pseudacanthicus or Panaque) or Pacu and Myleus. Not recommended to associate it with other benthic Cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very rare in captivity due to the need for cyclopean tanks to avoid uxoricide and the difficulty of recreating tumultuous floods. Spawns in very large ravines between boulders.

Risks and Diseases: Hole-in-the-head disease (Hexamita) guaranteed in case of dirty water or deficient diet. Will ruthlessly kill tankmates if the space available to it is inadequate.