LARGE Peppermint Pike (5”)

Scientific Name

Luciocephalus aura (often referred to as the Peppermint Pikehead, closely related to Luciocephalus pulcher).

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Up to 8" in length.

• Lifespan: Around 5–7 years with proper care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: At least 30-40 gallons for a small group; larger is better due to their size and territorial nature.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • pH: 5.5–7.0 (soft, acidic water preferred)
    

• Water Changes: Perform 25–30% weekly water changes to keep water clean and oxygen-rich.

• Aquascape: A heavily planted tank with driftwood, roots, and shaded areas. They appreciate subdued lighting and plenty of hiding places.

Tankmates

• Best housed in a species-only setup or with peaceful, non-aggressive tankmates that are too large to be eaten.

• Suitable companions include:

  • Angelfish, Severum, Geophagus, large corydoras, Medium sized plecos and catfish.

• Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids. Small fish will be viewed as prey.

Diet

• Carnivorous ambush predator.
  

• Can be trained to accept frozen foods like bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and chopped shrimp, though this may take patience.

• Hikari food sticks 

Overview

The Peppermint Pikehead Fish is a fascinating ambush predator from Southeast Asia, named for its long, pike-like body and distinctive peppermint-like speckling. It is a specialized surface-dwelling predator that lies in wait, striking at lightning speed to swallow prey whole. Due to its feeding habits and specific water requirements, it is considered a challenging species best suited to experienced aquarists.

Natural Environment

• Found in slow-moving blackwater streams, forest swamps, and peat rivers in Sumatra and Borneo.

• These waters are often heavily shaded, stained dark with tannins, and low in minerals.

• They inhabit areas with dense vegetation and submerged roots where they can lie in ambush.

Breeding

• Rarely bred in captivity.

• They are paternal mouthbrooders: the male incubates the eggs in his mouth until they hatch.

• Spawning is triggered in soft, acidic water with plenty of cover.

• Fry are relatively large and can take baby brine shrimp and other small live foods immediately.

• Due to their specialized requirements and sensitivity, successful captive breeding is extremely uncommon.