African Pike Characin (Hepsetus odoe)

Fish in the family Hepsetidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameHepsetus odoe

FamilyHepsetidae

Also known asKafue Pike, African Pike, Odoe

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size16 in

Minimum tank size150 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH

Appearance

Long pike-shaped body with a large toothed mouth and mottled olive-silver coloration; a sit-and-wait predator.

Difficulty and care for the African Pike Characin

Hard

Origin and habitat

Africa (West and Central African rivers)

Keeper notes

A large ambush piscivore that will eat any fish it can engulf; the African counterpart to the freshwater barracuda. Best kept alone or with fish too large to swallow.

Log African Pike Characin in your reef tank

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