Hepsetus odoe

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African Pike-Characoid
African Pike-Characoid
Species	Hepsetus odoe
Difficulty	Challenging
Min. Tank Size	946.353 liters 946,352.945 mL 250 US Gallons (946.4L)
Size	27.559 in 60-70 cm (23.6-27.6")
pH	6.0 - 7.5
Temp.	299.15 K 78.8 °F 538.47 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R26 -28 °C (78.8-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	10-18
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Carnivore Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	3-5 years

[edit] Alternative names

African Pike-Characoid, African Pike Characin, Kafue Pike

[edit] Sexing

Not known. They have not been bred in captivity and little is known about their reproduction.

[edit] Tank compatibility

A carnivorous fish that will eat smaller fish. Can be kept with others of its own kind, but individuals must be of equal size. Good candidates include large Tinfoil Barbs, Polypterus, Synodontis sp. and other large characins, most large, non-aggressive fish would be suitable. Fish to avoid would include aggressive Central American Cichlids such as Vieja sp., Nandopsis, and perhaps even the Oscar.

[edit] Diet

It is difficult to get this fish to accept anything other than live food and care should be taken when feeding. They should eventually take to store bought foods such as silversides and whitebait. Other suitable foods include large earthworms, mussels, cockles, and even the occasional beef heart.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Must have a long and spacious tank with some hiding spaces suitable for this large fish. A tight fitting tank is a must as this fish can jump, and can also bite the hand that feeds! Appreciate good filtration and oxygenation in the water, and 25% weekly water changes will suit this fish fine.

[edit] Behaviour

In the wild this fish will lurk in shadows waiting for a mouth-sized food to swim past, when it will zip out with lightening speed and grab the prey, it very rarely misses its target!

[edit] Identification

An elongated slender fish with many needle sharp teeth. Their flanks are silver with olive-green dorsal colouration, red and black spots are visable on the dorsal and caudal fins when the fish is mature.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Practical Fishkeeping