what type of Pike Cichlid?

[Thriftyfisher]

So I have this pair of fish.  These are shots of the male.  The person that I got them from said when he got them he was told they were Xingu.  They don't look like that to me or to the person that I got them from.  Anyone have any ideas?

[Michael Zebrowski]

Based on the position of the humeral spot, the limited spangling, the yellowish base color of the dorsal fin, and the caudal/dorsal fin patternand color, I suggest Crenicichla alta.  This is a member of the Saxatiline group from northern South America;Guyana/Suriname. 

Mike

[Thriftyfisher]

That is great to know.  My goal is to breed these, with luck in the next few months now that they have spent the last 5 months getting settled in.  They have spawned before for the person that I got them from but have failed to hatch out the eggs. 

[Michael Zebrowski]

Even though the adults thrive in tap water, the eggs usually require softer, more acidic water to hatch.  They calcify easily in tap water.  Also, pike cichlids typically like small, dark caves in which to spawn.  Bogwood roots with holes and caves work well with this genus.  Good Luck!

Mike 

[Black1031]

Nice ID and info zchallenger!! I didn't know what I was going to read on this one!! Spot on!!

[Michael Zebrowski]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

Mike Z.