My name is Chris, and I have a school of five orange pike cichlids that range from four inches to seven-eight inches. They are in a 125 gallon tank with varying sizes of pvc piping all around. I've been feeding them store bought earthworms. I bought them all in two batches. Two in the first, three in the second. I did this so hopefully they wouldn't be from the same catch. I would like to know when, if, how, I can get them to breed. Eveything from water changes to feeding to water temperature to hiding places. Anything will help. Thanx.
Want to breed orange pikes
- Thread starter cbgeren
- Start date
You and a whole lot of other people would like to breed these guys. I think Dr Wayne Leibel did breed them a few years back but with very little success. I don't think he ever raised the fry to a very large size. Go to http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/5491/ and get as much information as you can. Breeding size is at least 10 inches and they become very nasty to ALL other inhabitants of the tank. You tank would maybe be good for just one breeding pair. I have done a few of the smaller pikes and did work with the Orange Pike without success. Best of luck with your endeavor.
as the Z man has said, this is a VERY nasty species and i doubt that your tank is large enough to raise 5 xingu juveniles to a monogamous pair. the dominant male will very likely kill or maim all sub-dominants until you have a single animal in your tank. managing aggression in xingu is no small task and will require constant vigilance and a ton of hiding places that only a single fish can fit into in order to escape.
keep a tight lid on the tank, as the subs may jump out through any opening in an attempt to escape the aggression of the dominant fish.
finally, males of this species grow to about 16 inches and females about 10 inches and spawning will not be exhibited if at all, until the pair is at least 10-12 inches.
good luck ... many have tried to spawn this species without no success.
keep a tight lid on the tank, as the subs may jump out through any opening in an attempt to escape the aggression of the dominant fish.
finally, males of this species grow to about 16 inches and females about 10 inches and spawning will not be exhibited if at all, until the pair is at least 10-12 inches.
good luck ... many have tried to spawn this species without no success.
Another thing I was wondering is if I really have the xingu or are there other species of oragne pike? I just know I was told they were Orange/Red Brazilian Pike Cichlids? Is there any difference? The reason I ask is because these fish have not been growing as fast lately, and the biggest one seems to be staying about 7-8 inches long, and hasn't grown much over the last few months. All total I've had them about a year and a half to two years. How long before they get full size? obviously I'm an amateur at this, but very interested. They are great fish for interaction and even allow me to rub their sides while feeding. Is that harmful? I always make sure my hands are clean. Anyways just wondering about all this. Thanx for the info so far.
i'm reasonably sure that Crenicichla sp. 'Xingu' has been called many things but basically, it's the "orange" pike from Brazil. as for not reaching a full 10-12 inches in two years, this could be a matter of tank size, nutrition or other issues you haven't mentioned. two years is probably premature though.
AS far as tank size they have always been in the 125 gallon all by themselves. As far as nutrition like I mentioned earlier I've only been feeding them the earthworms for the last six months or so. Since I've been online I've realized that maybe I should diversify their diet. But any suggestions on that? Whats good whats not. I had fed them frozen mysis, and blood worms when they were 1-2 inches until they were big enough to fit an earthworm in their mouth, and been worms ever since. should they have more protein or something? Thanx for your reply.
Old post, but I figure I would bring some new info to light. I have recently seen two variations of the orange pike (maybe). The good old "Xingu I", the original orange pike is still around, but recently I have seen little orange crenicichla that they are calling a dwarf. I have yet to figure out if these are two different species or if they are one in the same. The "dwarfs" I have seen at the LFS are staying a bit small for normal "Xingu I" but it could be the feeding routine or a number of other factors. So, I'm not yet convinced, but I haven't ruled it out.
Has anyone else seen or heard of this new species/variant?
Has anyone else seen or heard of this new species/variant?