atabapo dwarf pike

One of the smaller species of Pike Cichlids, the Atabapo Dwarf is a relatively peaceful Crenicichla found in the warm, acidic waters of the Atabapo and the Orinoco tributaries in Colombia and Venezuela. A hardy and active species, they are usually found in groups in the wild and will form a distinct social hierarchy in the aquarium if given enough space. Be sure to provide plenty of cover for each fish to create and defend its own territory. Although they breed in pairs this species is optimally kept in groups of multiple males with a single or very few females, as mature females tend to be extremely aggressive towards each other and males when not kept in groups. This species will rarely bother other, larger tankmates.