What's All The Hype About Pike Cichlids?

[HairyTornado™]

I've never paid much attention to these cichlids, but recently my curiousity in them is quickly growing. They are interesting to look at, but I still don't understand what it is that sets them apart from all the other cichlids? I want to know why I should consider putting some of them in some of my fish tanks other than some people say they are 'cool'. Can anyone give me some reasons?

 

[severum boy]

Have you seen their body shape?
Very few cichlids have a torpedo body profile and this alone makes them quite unique.
They are predatory, and much like the snakeheads, some of the appeal lies with the dwarfs that are peaceful and able to live in smaller tanks, but still look like their larger relitives. So you can have all the feel of a big inpressive fish, but in only 6" of fish.
Plus they are quite nice to look at.

 

[HairyTornado™]

I've heard though that they are extremely aggressive, and it can be difficult to keep them with other fish. I've also heard that the more attractive, prettier ones are way more expensive. Don't get me wrong, I think they are interesting fish, I just want to know the pros and cons of them before I decide to make that kind of investment into them thats all. I don't want to get some and then regret getting them because I only got them because someone told me they were cool.

 

[andyourblueblood]

I've heard though that they are extremely aggressive, and it can be difficult to keep them with other fish. I've also heard that the more attractive, prettier ones are way more expensive. Don't get me wrong, I think they are interesting fish, I just want to know the pros and cons of them before I decide to make that kind of investment into them thats all. I don't want to get some and then regret getting them because I only got them because someone told me they were cool.

what to say, what to say...
1. pikes are gorgeous in many ways, the way they're shaped, the robust coloring, and the different patterns.
2. they can get more expensive, but its not only the prettier ones that are more pricey. look at xingu I's, they are fairly common and they run any where from as much as $30 or as cheap as $10 for a 3" pike. the more expensive ones are like any fish, the rare ones, the ones that are hard to come by due to either geographical problems, or just plain old over fishing.
3. most pikes are fine in community tanks as long as the tank has enough room to house all the fish accordingly. i would NOT add a pair to any tank with other fish unless the tank is hugeeeee!!! pikes also dont like other torpedo shaped fish for the reason it may be another pike trying to take its territory or what ever the case may be.

in my opinion i would trade in every fish i have for pikes if i had the tanks. these fish are like puppies, they will beg for food follow you from one end of the tank to the other, they are amazing fish.

just look at my signature.

i recomend them to any one who THINKS they can handle them.

they are NOT for the average aquarist. pike keepers are a special breed, a breed that sticks together.

 

[HairyTornado™]

Why are pikes not for the average aquarist? Is there something about them that makes them a little bit more difficult than most other cichlids?

 

[andyourblueblood]

Why are pikes not for the average aquarist? Is there something about them that makes them a little bit more difficult than most other cichlids?

no, some people just dont like them cause in a community tank they tend to hide a lot. also some people dont like them cause you cant really keep more than one in a tank and they can be very territorial, thus leading to aggression. to be honest some people just hold a grudge against them. i dont know why. i love them, as do many other people.

 

[HairyTornado™]

no, some people just dont like them cause in a community tank they tend to hide a lot. also some people dont like them cause you cant really keep more than one in a tank and they can be very territorial, thus leading to aggression. to be honest some people just hold a grudge against them. i dont know why. i love them, as do many other people.

What do you mean you can't keep more than one to a tank? I've been to a few LFS and have seen several pikes in the same tank, and all of them seem to be healthy. Looking around on the interenet for pictures, I've seen a few pictures of peoples tanks where there are several pikes kept together, appearing to do it successfully. Any thoughts? I'm confused.

 

[andyourblueblood]

no, some people just dont like them cause in a community tank they tend to hide a lot. also some people dont like them cause you cant really keep more than one in a tank and they can be very territorial, thus leading to aggression. to be honest some people just hold a grudge against them. i dont know why. i love them, as do many other people.

What do you mean you can't keep more than one to a tank? I've been to a few LFS and have seen several pikes in the same tank, and all of them seem to be healthy. Looking around on the interenet for pictures, I've seen a few pictures of peoples tanks where there are several pikes kept together, appearing to do it successfully. Any thoughts? I'm confused.

in a big enough tank you will be fine, especially with a single species. if you start adding 1 lugubris, 2 saxitilis, and 2 reticulata in a small tank it will work for a small amount of time, until they start fighting for territory. pikes just dont really like other pikes. im not saying it cant be done im just saying if you intend on keeping more than one in a tank, stay with the same kind, and make sure the tank is big enough. right now in my 55g i have 1 c. lucius, 1 c. sp. belly crawler, 1 c. sp. xingu I, and 2 c. sveni. they are already starting to get at each others throats. i need to upgrade and sooon! have you decided what your going to do yet?