Common Name: Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid
Scientific Name: Crenicichla sp. ‘Xingu I’
Other Names: Xingu Pike Cichlid
The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is a colorful and attractive species that is popular among cichlid enthusiasts. They have an elongated body with a distinctive orange coloration that covers their entire body, with some individuals having yellow or black markings on their fins. They can grow up to 12 inches in length.
Habitat and Distribution: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is found in the Xingu River basin in Brazil, where it inhabits rocky and sandy river bottoms with moderate to fast water currents.
Size and Lifespan: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid can grow up to 12 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 10 years in captivity.
Diet and Behavior: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is a carnivorous fish that feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In the aquarium, they can be fed a diet of frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small pieces of fish. They are aggressive fish and should be kept with other similarly sized cichlids.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding the Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid in the aquarium is difficult and requires specific water conditions, including a temperature of around 78-82°F, a pH of 6.0-6.5, and soft water. They are known to be mouthbrooders, where the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth until they are large enough to swim on their own.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid should be kept in an aquarium that is at least 75 gallons and has plenty of hiding spots and rocks to mimic their natural habitat. The water should be kept at a temperature of around 78-82°F, a pH of 6.0-7.0, and moderate water flow. Lighting should be moderate, and a sand substrate is recommended.
Ideal Tank Mates: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is an aggressive fish and should be kept with other similarly sized cichlids. Other compatible species include the Festivum Cichlid, the Firemouth Cichlid, and the Severum Cichlid.
Difficulty Level: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is considered moderately difficult to keep and breed in an aquarium due to its specific water requirements and aggressive behavior.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 78-82°F
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- General Hardness (GH): 5-12 dGH
- Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-8 dKH
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Additional Information: The Xingu I Orange Pike Cichlid is a popular species among cichlid enthusiasts due to its attractive coloration and unique appearance. It is also an important species in the Xingu River ecosystem and is threatened by habitat loss and overfishing. Some efforts are being made to conserve and protect this species in the wild.
