Pike Cichlid Id Help

[the420buzz]

I've had this guy for a while now, though I'm not exactly sure which species of Crenicichla he is. He's easily tripled the size he was when I bought him, my estimate is he's about 5-6 inches long at the moment, and about an inch thick. I tried doing some research on him a while ago, but couldn't tell for sure. He resembled one species, 'bellycrawler' or something like that, but slight differences in appearance made me think different, and the fact that he doesn't swim on his belly.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[the420buzz]

Anyone?

 

[Wills]

Ive been trying to work it out but I cant find anything with just the one spot the head shape seems quite unique but Ive never seen it before sorry mate

 

[the420buzz]

Thanks for replying Wills, I appreciate your attempt. I forgot to add that at times (like when defending territory, or stressed), he gets a solid black line through his body. You can faintly see it in those pictures, but it gets quite dark at times. If anyone comes across any pictures or info they think are similar, feel free to post.

 

[Wills]

Ive been having an other look lol but still cant find anything close. I guess one of the main problems with pike cichlids is that they are so abundant in the wild compared to the hobby you can sometimes find an odd import. The body spot and head shape is so distinctive Im sure it must be recognizable to someone.

Just thought I would pass this page on I think there are maybe 2 that are quite close on here (hope Im aloud to post this link)
http/www.amazon-exotic-import.de/Gallerie/Cichliden/INDEX.HTM

I can kind of see a resemblance to Crenicichla labrina Rio Xingu or Crenicichla anthurus but yours is missing the tail eye spot of Anthurus and the scale pattern of the labrina, though I can kind of see that a bit on your pics now Im looking.... http/www.amazon-exotic-import.de/Gallerie/Cichliden/Seiten/Crenicichla%20labrina%20Rio%20Xingu.htm what do you think?

Wills

 

[the420buzz]

Crenicichla labrina Rio Xingu does seem very similiar, except for the darkness in color. My pike is always the pale beige-ish color, like in my pics, and the Rio Xingu seem a very dark grey. Other than that, they seem very alike in body shape and head shape, and in the picture of the Xingu's, there's one in the middle with a yellowish tint to his face, my pike has that aswell (despite being light in color). It could be, however, that Xingu's perhaps darken later on in maturity, and he just may be that.

He also looks like the Crenicichla anthurus, but as you mentioned, lack of tail spot and he doesn't have nearly as much red (or as vibrant) on his dorsal and tail fins.

Assuming the Crenicichla genus can hybridize, perhaps he may be a combination of a pair. Maybe not though Thanks again for the help Wills, much appreciated. If anyone else wants to jump in to try and ID him as well, that'd be awesome.

I'll try and get some better shots of him in a little bit and I'll upload them afterwards.

 

[the420buzz]

And, ironically, I think I may have stumbled across what species he is. Came across a topic called 'Crenicichla Alta Brood' on here (http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/323176-crenicichla-alta-brood/), curiously I went in, and BAM! I was looking at what I believe to be my pike, once he's (or she's) a bit older. I'm leaning more towards my pike being a female Crenicichla Alta, judging by the pictures from the Brood topic.

Google 'Crenicichla Alta' and let me know what you think Wills.

 

[simonas]

its the same shape as my old cobra pike but patterning is the same

no idea soorry... nice fish though and made me miss my old pike

 

[Wills]

Yeah I think that looks about right The thing with pikes is that they are so abundant in the wild compared to the hobby that sometimes you can see them and it just does not match up at all, but I think youve got it this time

 

[the420buzz]

its the same shape as my old cobra pike but patterning is the same

no idea soorry... nice fish though and made me miss my old pike

Thank you, he is an awesome fish. Very owner responsive and even lets me rub his head at times.

Yeah I think that looks about right The thing with pikes is that they are so abundant in the wild compared to the hobby that sometimes you can see them and it just does not match up at all, but I think youve got it this time

Quick google search on Crenicichla alta says he'll grow to roughly 10-12 inches, which is awesome. Thanks for the help Wills, I appreciate it a ton.