Pikehead (Luciocephalus aura) WF

The Diamond Pikehead is one of the most extraordinary labyrinth fish. Luciocephalus aura impresses with its slender, arrow-shaped body, its calm hunting behavior, and the unique, metallically shimmering diamond sheen along its flanks. With its elegance and silent presence, it quickly becomes the highlight in specialized blackwater aquariums.

This species is not for beginners, as it requires very soft, acidic water, subdued light, and a calm environment. Under optimal conditions, the Diamond Pikehead exhibits its natural behavior as an ambush predator and appears almost to float in the water.

Husbandry data:
Final size: up to 12cm
Origin: Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo)
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH value: 4.0–6.0
Total hardness: very soft
Social behavior: calm solitary fish; keeping in small groups is possible but demanding
Aquarium size: from 200 l, blackwater, many roots, leaves, shaded areas
Food: exclusively live food (small crustaceans, mosquito larvae, tiny fish)