| Common name(s) | Pike characin, Slant-nosed gar, Gar characin |
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
Photos © Sean Evans |
| Scientific name | Ctenolucius hujeta |
| Synonyms | Xiphostoma hujeta, Luciocharax insculptus, Hydrocynus hujeta (not valid) |
| Size | Can attain 28" (70cm), but often much smaller in aquaria. |
| Origin | Colombia, Panama and Venezuela |
| Tank setup | Large tank (5ft/150cm plus) with plenty of open swimming space and some planted cover, possibly floating plants to give shade. |
| Compatibility | Predatory, ok with larger fish. |
| Temperature | 22-25oC (72-77oF) |
| Water chemistry | Around neutral pH, soft to medium hard water. |
| Feeding | Carnivorous: meaty foods, worms etc - may prove difficult to wean onto 'dead' meaty foods. |
| Sexing | Males are generally smaller and slimmer with a larger anal fin, which has a frayed edge -
the females smaller anal fin has a straight edge. |
| Breeding | Rare in aquaria. A temperature of around 27oC (80oF) and two males per female is recommended.
A large number of eggs are laid which hatch in about a day. |
| Comments |
These fish require very good water quality. They can be nervous, so take care to avoid startling them. |