Wallacii Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla wallacii is a moderately sized blackwater pike cichlid from the Rio Negro and Uaupés drainage in northwestern Brazil and adjacent Colombia. It is a slender, attractively marked species with a series of lateral blotches and banding on a warm olive-brown body. As with most Rio Negro pike cichlids, females develop red colouration on the belly and flanks during breeding.

Being a blackwater species, C. wallacii requires the soft, warm, acidic conditions of the Rio Negro system: low mineral content, tannin-rich water, and excellent filtration to maintain the very low pH many Rio Negro fish prefer. It is more manageable than the large Amazonian pike cichlids but retains the species' predatory nature and should not be kept with fish it could swallow.

Captive breeding is achievable and has been documented by specialist keepers. The cave-spawning pattern applies, with the female providing primary parental care. This species represents an excellent entry point into the fascinating world of blackwater pike cichlid keeping.

Water: 25-29°C, pH 4.5-6.5, very soft (0-4 dGH); blackwater with botanical additions strongly recommended. Tank: Minimum 200L; fine dark sand, driftwood caves, leaf litter, tannin-tinted water. Feeding: Smaller carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn, earthworm; live food not required if weaned. Breeding: Cave spawner; blackwater conditions required for breeding; female vivid red at spawning. Compatibility: Aggressive to smaller fish; suitable with fish of equal or larger size in blackwater community.