Britskii Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla britskii is one of the larger pike cichlids of the Rio Paraná basin, reaching 35 cm or more in the wild. Named in honour of Brazilian ichthyologist Heraldo Britski, this species commands attention with its powerful, deep-bodied profile and pattern of dark irregular blotches overlying a pale silver-grey body. Adult males develop pronounced hypertrophied lips and a strongly arched dorsal profile.

Owing to its size, C. britskii requires a very large aquarium — a minimum of 450 litres for a single specimen, more for a pair. The tank should feature a deep sandy substrate, large boulders, and substantial driftwood for shelter. Water conditions should replicate the Paraná's moderately hard, circumneutral water.

Feeding large specimens requires appropriately sized prey items: frozen whole fish, large earthworms, prawns, and mussels are all accepted. This is strictly a species-tank fish unless housed with very large, robust companions. Breeding is possible but demands exceptional tank size and a strongly bonded pair.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5 at 22–27°C; moderate hardness (5–15 dGH) suits this Paraná-basin species. Tank: 450 L absolute minimum; large boulders, deep substrate, and multiple defined shelter zones. Feeding: Large meaty items — frozen fish, prawns, earthworms, cichlid sticks; feed every 2–3 days. Breeding: Very large aquarium required; cave spawner with strong parental defence of eggs and fry. Compatibility: Species tank only; any fish sharing the tank risks predation.