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Crenicichla lugubris

$60.00

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Crenicichla lugubris (Lugubria lugubris) – a large, predatory pike cichlid for experienced keepers. Offered at approximately 4 inches; allow for substantial adult growth. Sold individually.

30 in stock

SKU: AMZN-FISH-100 Category: Brand:

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

  • Classic Pike Shape: An elongated body and long dorsal fin give this cichlid its distinctive profile.

  • Substantial Adult Size: Offered at approximately 4 inches; published accounts report adults up to around 16 inches in standard length.

  • South American Cichlid: The species is recorded from the Guiana Shield and northern Brazil; the origin of these individual fish is not specified.

  • Predatory and Territorial: A specialist fish that can eat smaller tankmates and become aggressive, especially toward its own kind.

  • Also Known As: The species is also published under the scientific name Lugubria lugubris.


Crenicichla lugubris Care Requirements

  • 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.

  • Water Temperature: 81–84°F (27–29°C). Maintain stable, warm water with strong filtration and good oxygenation.

  • pH Range: 5.5–6.5; maintain stable, preferably soft water with regular water changes.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We ship fish in insulated packaging. Our Live Arrival Guarantee covers overnight shipments; see our shipping information for details.

Weight 0.3 lbs
Dimensions 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 in
Size

4”

Shipping & Care FAQ

Common questions about ordering, shipping, acclimation, and care. Have a different question? Contact us.

How long does fish shipping take?
All orders ship overnight via FedEx or UPS from our Philadelphia, PA facility. Most US addresses receive their fish within 16-24 hours of dispatch. We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure fish arrive before weekend transit holds.
What is the Live Arrival Guarantee?
Every overnight shipment from Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If a fish arrives DOA, we provide store credit — photo documentation within 2 hours of delivery is required.
How do I acclimate fish from Amazoniafish.com to my aquarium?
Float the unopened bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes using airline tubing (1-2 drops per second) into a holding container. Net the fish into your tank without adding bag water. Dim lights for the first 24 hours.
How are the fish packaged for overnight shipping?
Fish ship in oxygenated double-bagged plastic bags inside insulated styrofoam boxes with heat or cool packs depending on season. Fishes are bagged with proper water-to-fish ratio. Boxes are clearly marked LIVE FISH on all sides.
Are the fish quarantined before shipping?
All wild-caught and imported fish undergo a multi-week quarantine at our facility. Specimens are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and verified to be eating well before being offered for sale. Domestic strains are quarantined for at least 1 week.
What if a fish arrives dead (DOA)?
Take clear photos of the deceased fish in the unopened bag within 2 hours of delivery and email us. We process Live Arrival Guarantee claims same-day — store credit is refunded to your account.
Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or internationally?
We ship throughout the continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. International destinations are not supported due to live fish import regulations and shipping risks. We comply with Lacey Act and CITES regulations for all sales.
What water parameters should I prepare for my new fish?
Most South American tropical fish (angelfish, discus, apistogramma, tetras, corydoras) thrive in soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 78-82°F. Specific parameters are listed in each product description. Wild-caught species benefit from blackwater botanicals (Indian Almond leaves, alder cones).
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Yes — wholesale pricing is available for licensed retailers. Visit our wholesale page for details and bulk pricing on premium tropical fish.