Crenicichla lugubris – A Large South American Pike Cichlid
Crenicichla lugubris, also classified as Lugubria lugubris, is a large South American pike cichlid with an elongated body and a predatory temperament. The fish offered here are approximately 4 inches, but this is not their adult size: published accounts describe fish reaching up to about 16 inches (40 cm) in standard length. Plan for a very large aquarium and substantial growth before purchasing.
Crenicichla lugubris Key Features
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Classic Pike Shape: An elongated body and long dorsal fin give this cichlid its distinctive profile.
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Substantial Adult Size: Offered at approximately 4 inches; published accounts report adults up to around 16 inches in standard length.
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South American Cichlid: The species is recorded from the Guiana Shield and northern Brazil; the origin of these individual fish is not specified.
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Predatory and Territorial: A specialist fish that can eat smaller tankmates and become aggressive, especially toward its own kind.
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Also Known As: The species is also published under the scientific name Lugubria lugubris.
Crenicichla lugubris Care Requirements
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Tank Size: Plan for a mature adult aquarium with at least a 72 × 24 inch (180 × 60 cm) footprint; a tank of approximately 250 gallons provides substantial water volume. Larger quarters are needed for additional large fish. Use sand, securely placed rocks, wood and caves.
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Water Temperature: 81–84°F (27–29°C). Maintain stable, warm water with strong filtration and good oxygenation.
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pH Range: 5.5–6.5; maintain stable, preferably soft water with regular water changes.
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Diet: Offer a varied diet of appropriately sized meaty foods such as frozen shrimp, mussel and earthworms, as well as quality carnivore pellets when accepted. Avoid relying on live feeder fish.
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Tank Mates: Not suitable for a small community: fish small enough to swallow may be eaten. Keep singly or, only in a sufficiently large aquarium, with carefully monitored large, robust fish. Adults can be aggressive toward their own species; pairing requires particular care.
Why Choose Our Crenicichla lugubris
For experienced keepers with the space and filtration to match, this pike cichlid brings a striking predatory form and alert behavior to a large aquarium.
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