What is the Xingu pike cichlid?
The Xingu pike cichlid is a slender, torpedo-shaped predator from Brazil’s Rio Xingu. In the trade it is sold under names such as Xingu I, Orange Xingu or Xingu pike, and listings may use different scientific names, for example Lugubria sp. “Xingu I” or Crenicichla sp. “Xingu”. Pike cichlid taxonomy is unsettled, so expect naming inconsistencies between sellers. Always ask where a specific fish was collected and what size it is.
In the wild, retailer descriptions say these fish live in fast, clear, rocky water with plenty of current. That tells you what to copy: warm, clean, well-oxygenated water, rockwork and flow.
How big does a Xingu pike cichlid get?
Retailer listings commonly give an adult size of around 12 inches. Figures can vary between sellers and individual fish, and females are often smaller than males. Plan for an adult close to a foot long and a thick, powerful body, even if the juvenile you see is only a few inches.
How big of a tank does a pike cichlid need?
For the Xingu pike, a retailer recommendation is about 120 gallons. That is a sensible starting point for a single adult. Choose a long tank rather than a tall one, because pike cichlids need length to turn and dash, and they appreciate caves and tubes to retreat into. If you want a pair or tank mates, go larger.
For comparison, our Texas cichlid guide describes a similarly sized fish with a more familiar set of needs. Smaller pike species are covered below.
Water, flow and equipment
Commonly given parameters for the Xingu pike are a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5 and a warm temperature in the low 80s °F, with zero ammonia and nitrite and low nitrate. A strong, oxygenated flow suits fish from rapids. Use powerful filtration, a heater with a guard and a tight lid, as pike cichlids can jump when startled.
Rocks and wood should be stable and placed on the tank bottom. Keep lighting moderate and give them caves.
Diet
Pike cichlids are predators. Retailers describe the Xingu as a fish eater that can be weaned onto frozen and prepared foods. Offer varied meaty foods such as quality pellets, frozen fish, shrimp and similar items. Avoid feeding live feeder fish routinely, as they can carry disease and are unnecessary. Feed measured portions and keep up with water changes.
Are pike cichlids aggressive?
Many are (our aggressive freshwater fish guide explains the difference between predation and territorial aggression). The Xingu pike is described as territorial and aggressive toward most tank mates. Juveniles are said to be more social, but adults are better treated as predators. In practice that means:
- Keep it with large, similarly sized, robust fish, or alone.
- Avoid anything small enough to swallow.
- Provide hiding places to reduce confrontations.
- Watch for bullying as the fish matures.
Compared with a firemouth or rainbow cichlid, this is a very different level of commitment.
What is the smallest pike cichlid?
Several pike cichlids stay much smaller than the Xingu. Retailers list Crenicichla regani as a dwarf pike of around 5 inches and Crenicichla cametana at around 8 inches. Treat these as approximate. If space is limited, a smaller species is a more practical choice than trying to house a 12-inch fish in a tank that is too small. Even small pikes can eat tiny fish.
Which pike cichlid is the most colorful?
Color is subjective, and juveniles often look different from adults. Red and orange forms such as fire or flame pikes (for example the Atabapo types or Crenicichla multispinosa) are often described as vividly colored, and the Xingu pike itself is known for orange tones. Ask a reputable seller to show you adult fish from the same shipment.
Buying notes and is it right for you?
The Xingu pike is described as a relatively rare import, and prices are higher than for common cichlids. Large fish are expensive to ship, so check the seller’s shipping policy. Quarantine new fish and be ready to feed a variety of frozen foods.
This is a fish for an experienced keeper with a large tank. If you are still working out what suits you, start with our overview of whether cichlids are easy to care for.