Freshwater
Pike characin
Acestrorhynchus microlepis
Acestrorhynchidae, Acestrorhynchinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 37 cm
- Body shape
- Elongated
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,198 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Videos
THE FISH OF RIO DARRO – A JOURNEY INTO THE WILDS OF BRAZIL
CHRIS LUKHAUPSep 13, 2026
Acestrorhynchus microlepis
MikoljiApr 5, 2007
More about the species
Description
Common in black and clear water streams and rivers, as well as lagoons and other off-channel habitats associated with whitewater rivers. Prefers slow currents and a silty or sandy bottom. Like other species of the genus, it is a formidable predator. Strict piscivore; however, it consumes insects during the dry periods of the year.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Acestorhynchus microlepis
- Acestrorhynchus apurensis
- Acestrorhynchus cachorro
- Acestrorhynchus guianensis
- Hydrocyon microlepis
In other languages
- Småskællet geddekarpelaks
- Kirjovaanijatetra, Susivaanijatetra
Articles
All articles
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
How to set up a South American aquarium4 min read
Soft, acidic water, subdued light, sand, roots and fallen leaves: how to set up a biotope aquarium from the Amazon and the rivers around it.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.