Pikehead (Luciocephalus pulcher)
Fish in the family Osphronemidae. Hard care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameLuciocephalus pulcher
FamilyOsphronemidae
Also known asPike Gourami
Care levelHard
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
DietCarnivore
Adult size7 in
Minimum tank size40 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-79°F, pH 4.0-6.5, GH 1-6 dGH
Appearance
Elongated pike-shaped blackwater anabantid with a protrusible jaw, mottled brown camouflage and a dark eye stripe; hangs motionless near the surface.
Difficulty and care for the Pikehead
Hard
Origin and habitat
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo (peat swamps)
Keeper notes
A specialized ambush piscivore that eats any fish or shrimp it can engulf; often refuses anything but live foods. A male mouthbrooder, unique among anabantoids.
Log Pikehead in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Pikehead alongside everything else in your reef.
