Freshwater
Pikehead
Luciocephalus pulcher
Osphronemidae, Luciocephalinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 20 cm
- Body shape
- Elongated
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 192 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Videos
The Endangered Fish of Thailand’s Peat Swamps and Forest Streams | EP 2 Betta in the Wild
Rodrigo SilvaMay 29, 2026
More about the species
Description
Occurs in streams and flooded forest among dense vegetation. Found in primary peats swamps. Mouth brooder. Highly protrusible jaws. The premaxillae can extend about 1/3 of the head length. Prey is captured by the fish making a rapid lunge and surrounding the prey with the open mouth.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Diplopterus pulcher
In other languages
- Gäddhuvudfisk
- Geddehoved, Geddehovedfisk
- Hauenpääkala
Articles
All articles
Fin rot and columnaris4 min read
Bacteria that attack the fins, mouth and skin, nearly always after poor water. When water changes are enough, and when more is needed.
Velvet and dropsy4 min read
Velvet is a fast-moving parasite. Dropsy is a sign that something is seriously wrong inside the fish. How to recognize them, and what you can do.
How to set up an Asian aquarium5 min read
Two aquariums from Southeast Asia: calm forest streams and peat swamps with soft, brown water, and fast mountain streams with cool, oxygen-rich water.
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.