{"product_id":"freshwater-fish-uk-for-sale-peru-crenicichla-proteus-kf89","title":"Peru Crenicichla (Crenicichla proteus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Peru Crenicichla, scientifically known as Crenicichla proteus, is a striking small pike cichlid from the Amazon basin that brings bold personality, predatory behaviour, and vivid appearance to specialised aquariums. Available for \u003cstrong\u003efreshwater fish for sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species reaches up to 5.5cm in length and thrives in tanks of at least 70 litres. Native to Peru and the Amazon basin, the Peru Crenicichla is best suited to experienced aquarists seeking rare cichlids UK with unique character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Peru Crenicichla is a small, elongated pike cichlid with a streamlined body and striking coloration. The body typically displays vivid patterns of stripes, spots, or iridescent highlights. Males may develop more intense colours than females, especially during breeding. Overall, the Peru Crenicichla is a beautiful, understated predator that fits into specialised South American setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the Amazon River basin in South America, including the Napo and Putumayo drainages in Ecuador, the Ucayali-Amazon drainage in Peru, and the upper Purus basin, the Peru Crenicichla inhabits streams with rocky substrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of 70 litres is suitable. Use soft sand substrate, and provide plenty of hiding places using rocks, caves, and driftwood. Filtration must be excellent. Maintain soft, slightly acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Difficult\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimarily carnivorous. Offer appropriately sized meaty foods such as small frozen\/live foods and quality carnivore preparations. Avoid feeder fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA shy, retiring predator that spends much time hiding, emerging to hunt. Intelligent but remain aggressive and territorial. Not suitable for community tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept as a species tank or with carefully selected robust tankmates. Avoid small peaceful fish, shrimp, slow, long-finned fish, peaceful community fish, and other pike cichlids unless in a very large setup. Note: Compatible and incompatible lists appear reversed in source data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide excellent filtration, stable warm water, hiding places, and a secure lid. This is a predatory cichlid that may prey on small tankmates.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLikely a cave or substrate spawner with pair bonding and strong parental defense. Provide spacious tank, soft water, and secluded spawning sites. Breeding pairs may become highly aggressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co offers healthy Peru Crenicichla with expert guidance on pike cichlid care. With secure packaging and reliable delivery, we make it easy to buy rare cichlids UK with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"2 - 3 cm","offer_id":57427536216399,"sku":"KF89","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"4 - 5 cm","offer_id":57456755245391,"sku":"KE68","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 - 6 cm","offer_id":57456755278159,"sku":"0304","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 - 7 cm","offer_id":57456755310927,"sku":"0305","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/peru-crenicichla-crenicichla-proteus-2-3cm-hero-driftwood-kf89.webp?v=1776552370","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/freshwater-fish-uk-for-sale-peru-crenicichla-proteus-kf89","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}