Crenicichla

Crenicichla is a genus of cichlids native to South America, which are one of the genera commonly known as pike cichlids. They are found in most tropical and subtropical freshwater habitats between the Andes and the Atlantic.

==Description== The smallest species of Crenicichla are no larger than and may be referred to as "dwarf cichlids" for the aquarium hobby – though their aggressive and territorial habits make them unsuitable for novice keepers. The smallest members, and formerly the C. wallacii species complex was split off to Wallaciia in 2023, along with the former C. saxatilis complex which became Saxatilia and the C. lugubris complex which became Lugubria. In the same paper, one further genus was erected (Hemeraia) and the remaining species were divided into subgenera. The largest pike cichlids can grow to about long. Most Crenicichla measure in the range of . Like many other predatory fishes, a pike cichlid has a wide mouth and elongated body.