Zebrina Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla Zebrina)

The finest South American cichlid in color and rarity is the Zebrina Pike Cichlid. The colors are magnificent on these pikes. They a red throat and back and gold banded on the body. Zebrina pikes need live feeders and do better in lower Ph water. These fish are aggressive and need their own hiding place, but they are compatible with larger aggressive species.

The recently discovered Zebra Pike (C. zebrina) has quickly become one of the most sought after and popular species of pike cichlid in the hobby, and deservedly so. With its vibrant red-orange coloration and distinctive vertical yellow barring, it is hard to confuse the Zebra Pike for any other species. It is also among the most peaceful of the large pike cichlids, and has been successfully kept in community aquariums with other appropriately sized fish. Despite its rarity and high price, the Zebra Pike is generally hardy and undemanding, although they may take some time to wean on to prepared foods. This species is found in fast-flowing, clear, warm water in the wild and should be kept in similar conditions in the aquarium. They prefer strong current, higher temperatures (80-84F) and excellent water quality for long term success. This species has never been successfully bred in captivity and most consider them impossible to accurately sex outside of dissected specimens, so for this reason we do not claim to offer sexed pairs or attempt to sex individual fish.