Common Name: Gaucho Pike Cichlid
Scientific Name: Crenicichla gaucho
The Gaucho Pike Cichlid is a wild-caught, subtropical pike cichlid from southern Brazil. It is a compact pike cichlid with the elongated body and large mouth typical of the group. It is highly sought after by South American cichlid enthusiasts for its striking appearance and bold, interactive personality.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Gaucho Pike Cichlid comes from tributaries of the middle Rio Uruguay in southern Brazil. These subtropical waters are cooler than most Amazonian habitats, and pike cichlids there live among rocks and submerged wood. The water in these habitats is typically warm, soft and slightly acidic, and submerged wood, rocks and leaf litter provide cover.
Size and Lifespan:
It is one of the smaller pike cichlids, reaching about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm). Lifespan in captivity is not well documented for this species, but with good care it can be expected to live for many years.
Diet and Behavior:
Gaucho pike cichlids are carnivorous and feed on small fish, insects and crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium, offer frozen shrimp, krill and bloodworms along with carnivore pellets. They are aggressive toward their own kind and similar fish, and are best kept as a single pair. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Pike cichlids are cave spawners. A bonded pair will clean out a cave or crevice where the female lays her eggs, and both parents guard the eggs and fry. Pairs can become very aggressive while breeding, so a large tank with plenty of broken sight lines is needed.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 55 gallons is recommended. The tank should include rockwork, driftwood and caves to break up sight lines, a sand substrate, strong filtration and good oxygenation. A secure lid is recommended. The water temperature should be kept between 66-81°F (19-27°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Regular partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality, and new arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Keep them with robust, similarly sized fish that cannot be swallowed, such as eartheaters, other medium to large South American cichlids, plecos and larger catfish. Avoid small or timid fish, which will be eaten or harassed. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. Its smaller size makes it more manageable than larger pike cichlids, but it is still territorial and needs careful tank mate selection. It is well suited to aquarists with some experience who can maintain stable water conditions.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 66-81°F (19-27°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 3-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- It comes from subtropical waters, so it tolerates cooler temperatures than most pike cichlids.
- Pike cichlids are ambush predators that often hover motionless before striking at prey.
- Wild-caught fish may initially need frozen foods before accepting pellets.
The Gaucho Pike Cichlid is a manageable, characterful pike cichlid that suits keepers without room for the larger species.
