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Pikehead
Luciocephalus pulcher
📍 Southeast Asia
The Pikehead is a Southeast Asian predatory fish known for its elongated body and pike-like appearance, making it a fascinating addition to specialized aquariums. This species is highly aggressive and territorial, requiring careful tank management and appropriate tank mates. They are ambush predators that spend much of their time near the surface waiting for prey.
Care Guide
Diet
Pikeheads are obligate carnivores requiring live prey such as small fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects. Feed appropriately sized prey 2-3 times weekly, ensuring the food item is no larger than half the fish's body size. They may refuse frozen foods and require live feeding for optimal health.
Behavior
Pikeheads are solitary, ambush predators that remain relatively motionless near the water surface, striking at passing prey with lightning speed. They are highly territorial and aggressive toward other fish, particularly conspecifics. They are primarily nocturnal and may hide during daylight hours.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. Sexual dimorphism is not well established, and specific breeding conditions are unknown. Attempting to breed this species requires expert knowledge and specialized conditions.
Tank Mates
Plant provides cover without being consumed; does not interact with fish
Hardy plant that provides shelter and surface coverage for ambush hunting
Inert decoration that provides visual interest without interaction
Dense vegetation provides hunting cover and tank structure
Common Diseases
Ichthyophthirius (Ich)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; quarantine if possible
Bacterial Infection
Fin rot, body sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Improve water quality, perform frequent water changes, use antibiotic medications if severe; isolate affected fish
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medications, perform water changes, improve tank conditions; quarantine and treat separately if possible
Mouth Rot
Discoloration around mouth, difficulty feeding, tissue deterioration around jaw area
Improve water quality, perform frequent water changes, use antibiotic treatment; ensure proper nutrition with live prey
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - live fish and invertebrates
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 20 cm (8 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)