Cichlids are referred to as dwarf cichlids if their total length – including the caudal fin – does not exceed 10 cm. As many cichlids grow considerably larger and then also have corresponding space requirements in terms of housing, dwarf cichlids are particularly popular in the aquarium hobby.
All pike cichlids of the genus Wallaciia (formerly known aquaristically as the Crenicichla-wallacii complex) belong to the dwarf cichlids. Their body length is rarely more than 7 cm, plus the caudal fin. This means that they can usually be kept and bred in aquariums with a floor area of 80 x 50 cm or more, but you should never underestimate the potential aggression of these animals. W. compressiceps is particularly notorious in this respect (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/wallaciia-compressiceps-crenicichla-c-2/)
Wallaciia regani is one of the most common and most widespread species within the genus in Central Amazonia. However, the animals look somewhat different everywhere and there are quite a few people who say that it is probably a complex of very similar species rather than a single, variably marked species. For this reason, in the case of W. regani, we indicate the river from which they originate, as far as possible, to avoid unwanted crossbreeding.
The species’ ecological adaptability is high in accordance with its wide distribution. Temperatures between 20°C (upper Rio Araguaia) and 35°C (Orinoco) have been measured in the wild where W. regani (or closely related forms) have been found, and in the aquarium they have been successfully bred in soft to medium-hard water with pH values between 6.5 and 7.2; there is even a report that breeding was successful at 20° dGH, including 18° KH and pH 8! However, in the Rio Tapajós, a clear water river, the water is generally warm (around 28-29°C), soft (conductivity 10-20 µS/cm) and slightly acidic (pH 6-6.6). These values should be aimed for in the local form of W. regani, at least if you want to breed them.
In terms of food, W. regani are simple: coarse frozen and live food (preferably mosquito larvae), after acclimatization also granules and other dry food. Plants are usually ignored. All pike cichlids are cave breeders, including W. regani. The mother takes care of the spawn and the newly hatched fry. After the fry starts swimming, the male takes part in caring for the fry and defends the territory. Pairs often stay together for years under aquarium conditions. As the males can be very aggressive towards each other, it is advisable to purchase one male and several females. Only the females have the eye spots in the dorsal fin, so they are easy to recognize. A harmonizing pair can usually be found from this group.
For our customers: the fish have code 672212 (5-6 cm) and 672213 (5-8 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
