Crenicichla sveni

Crenicichla sveni is a medium-sized pike cichlid endemic to the Rio Tocantins drainage in central Brazil. Like all pike cichlids, it possesses a torpedo-shaped body and a large, oblique mouth adapted for ambush predation. C. sveni is distinguished by vivid red-orange fin margins and caudal markings that contrast strikingly against the grey-olive lateral body.

Pike cichlids are highly specialised ambush predators that require careful management in the aquarium. They are best kept as pairs in dedicated species setups or in very large aquaria with robust similarly sized fish that they cannot eat. Males are particularly aggressive toward each other and should not be housed together.

Females of C. sveni display the bright red belly colouration characteristic of many pike cichlid females when in breeding condition, making sexing straightforward in adults. This species will breed in the aquarium given appropriate conditions including caves and very soft, warm water.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 5.5–7.0, GH 1–8, KH 1–4; soft to moderately soft water; excellent filtration essential. Tank: 250 L minimum for a pair; provide large cave (coconut shell/terracotta tube) as spawning site; robust rocks and driftwood. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen prawns, mussel, and earthworms; quality large cichlid sticks; avoid goldfish feeders long-term. Breeding: Cave spawner; female guards eggs in cave; male defends perimeter; soft acidic water improves hatch rate. Compatibility: Keep only with fish too large to eat; avoid housing two males together; pairs can be aggressive.