Stocki Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla stocki is an uncommon and seldom-exported pike cichlid from the Corantijn River system — the border river between Suriname and Guyana — and adjacent drainages. It occupies clear, slightly tannin-stained rivers over white sand and rock, typical of the Guiana Shield environment. The species is named after the Dutch ichthyologist Pieter van der Stocken.

The colouration of C. stocki is subtle but distinctive: an olive-grey body with a series of dark blotches along the lateral midline that graduate in intensity from moderate anteriorly to quite bold near the caudal fin, creating a graduated effect unlike the uniform lateral stripe of many related species. This gives the fish an understated elegance appreciated by connoisseurs.

At 20 cm it is a manageable size for a 200 L soft-water species setup. C. stocki is occasionally available through Suriname cichlid specialists and represents an interesting biogeographic counterpart to better-known Surinamese pike cichlids. It follows standard Crenicichla cave-spawning breeding protocols.

Water: Soft, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–7.0) at 24–28°C; white sand and tannin-stained water beneficial. Tank: 200 L with white sand substrate, driftwood, and flat rock caves. Feeding: Frozen carnivore foods and cichlid pellets. Breeding: Cave spawner with biparental care; standard Crenicichla protocol. Compatibility: Species pair; Suriname/Guyana biotope with large robust companions.