Crenicichla saxatilis
| Scientific name | Crenicichla saxatilis |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1758 |
| IUCN category (World) | NE |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Crenicichla |
Introduction
Crenicichla saxatilis is a fish from the Amérique du Sud.
This sheet is currently being prepared. The texts currently proposed come from our data model or are being drafted. To request priority for this content, you can write to us HERE.
Who is it?
Morphology
-
Average size20 cm
-
Maximum size25 cm
-
Longevity8 year
-
Average size20 cm
-
Maximum size25 cm
-
Longevity8 year
How to recognize Crenicichla saxatilis ?
Crenicichla saxatilis measures around 20 cm. The dominant males can however reach 25 cm.
Sexual dimorphism
The adult male is bigger than the female.
Behaviour & Life cycle
-
dietcarnivorous
-
Sociabilityliving as a couple or in a group
-
territorialYes
-
Way of livingdiurnal
Crenicichla saxatilis hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
Crenicichla saxatilis is a fish living as a couple or in a group naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .
Crenicichla saxatilis is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place.
Reproduction
-
Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat caché
Crenicichla saxatilis is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat caché.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
Biotope presentation
This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
-
Min volume800 liters
-
Population min2
-
Temperature- °C
Characteristics
-
Difficulty breedingmoderate
-
Robustnesstolerant
-
Behaviourmoderately aggressive
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for Crenicichla saxatilis
Crenicichla saxatilis is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between °C and °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 3°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
Cohabitation & Environment
This fish being a predatory species, it is recommended to maintain it in a specific environment, without other species. Indeed, any crustacean or fish of lower size will become a potential prey. A 800 liter aquarium is the minimum recommended for its maintenance. If you still try to associate it with other species, the cohabitants must be of a size at least comparable to the predator in a much larger volume. The aquarium can be provided with many hiding places and a large space to allow each individual to find refuge if necessary.
Crenicichla saxatilis is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.
The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.
Tips for feeding
Crenicichla saxatilis is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Reproduction protocol
-
egg-laying protectionYes
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
These animals might interest you
These plants might interest you
To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
In collaboration with : Biotope Edition
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
Same genus
