Marmorata Pike Cichlid

A large, heavy-bodied Pike Cichlid found throughout parts of the middle Amazon and its tributaries in Brazil, the Marbled Pike Cichlid is a powerful, aggressive and predatory species. In the wild, they tend to be found in shallow, clear water defending territories around fallen logs or areas of aquatic vegetation. Care in the aquarium is similar to other large Pike Cichlids, with soft, clean, well-oxygenated water and moderate to strong current required for the fish to remain in optimal condition. As one of the most aggressive members of the genus Crenicichla, tankmates should be chosen with extreme care, and other cichlids (including conspecifics) are usually not tolerated. Populations from different regions tend to show some variation in pattern and color, and those from the Tapajos and Trombetas are generally considered the most colorful and sought after.