Monicae Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla monicae is a seldom-exported and scientifically under-studied pike cichlid from the headwater tributaries of the upper Rio Paraná system in Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás, Brazil. It occupies clear, moderate-flow streams with sandy and gravelly substrates, living a relatively cryptic life in the shelter of submerged wood and boulder formations.

The species has a slim, elegant build reaching about 20 cm, with fine lateral markings and notably richly coloured dorsal and caudal fins that display well against the subdued body colouration. In mature males, the dorsal fin develops particularly attractive orange-red edging. Its rarity in the trade is principally due to limited collection and export from its headwater habitat.

C. monicae requires soft to neutral water and cooler temperatures than Amazonian Crenicichla — upper Paraná headwaters are relatively cool and well-oxygenated. A 200 L species tank is the minimum. For collectors of Brazilian endemic cichlids this represents a genuinely rare and worthwhile acquisition.