Crenicichla sp. Xingu I Group: Lugubris Distribution: Endemic to Rio Xingu Size: 12-14 inches Comments: Frequently imported and enormously popular due to the bright orange coloration and active disposition of juveniles. Unfortunately, many hobbyists are not aware of the adult size and coloration of this species. The males can grow too large for most aquaria and with the onset of maturity, usually at about 6-7 inches, both sexes lose their attractive orange coloration. The males become a dull grayish green and the females get a wine red belly - both retain red unpaired fins. There have been a couple of undocumented reports of aquarium spawnings but in both cases, the eggs did not hatch. This species has a highly elastic stomach lining - stomachs get very lumpy after feeding. They are peaceful and easily bullied until maturity, after which time they become as aggressive as most large Crenicichla. There are a couple of color morphs (species?) that are available in the hobby. One is yellow and the other a brick red. It is possible that there are a couple of species with this type of juvenile coloration. Most of the fish seen together in stores are usually from a single spawn, since adults guard their spawns for many months, often until the fry are 4 to 6 inches long. There is a possibility of this species being overcollected for the aquarium hobby. Attractive young specimens always seem to sell in pet stores but one rarely sees adults at aquarists homes. While this species more than any other is responsible for the current increased interest in pike cichlids, it is never too early to start thinking about sustainable harvests of this species. If you are interested in spawning this fish, the following are some recorded water parameters: Stawikowski recorded the following conditions for the Xingu near Altamira in September 1988 (low water): pH 6.5, 1º dGH, 1º dKH, e.c. 120µS/cm @ 32ºC (90ºF). Lacerda measured the Xingu in about the same location in March 1996 (high water) as follows: pH 6.7 - 6.9, e.c. ~20µS/cm. The water temperature was cooler, probably around 80ºF. The above information courtesy of Mike Wise. Back to Speciesl ist Back to ==> Home / Pike Photos / C. sp. Xingu I Orange Pike Home Pikes Neotropicals Collecting Photography Personal Links Site map http://geocities.datacellar.net/NapaValley/5491 Latest update: 19 March 2000 Comments on this page: E-Mail author