A close relative of the gouramis we all know and love, pikeheads of the genus Luciocephalus are unique and fascinating, but they are not a species suitable for beginners.
Pikeheads of the genus Luciocephalus belong to the family Osphronemidae. Within this family, many species are commonly found in the aquarium trade, including honey gouramis, Siamese fighting fish, and paradise fish. Pikeheads, however, are a rare sight, as their care in captivity requires a specialist setup and a more advanced approach to husbandry.
There are two species in the genus Luciocephalus, the giant pikehead (L. pulcher) and the peppermint pikehead (L. aura). In this article we will be focusing on the slightly larger, giant pikehead.
Photos by Shutterstock unless otherwise stated.
Giant Pikehead Fact File
Scientific name: Luciocephalus pulcher
Size: Can reach 20cm (7.9") but usually stays smaller in captivity.
Origin: Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Habitat: Found in peat swamps, flooded forests, and other still or slow moving blackwater habitats.
Tank size: 120x45x30cm (48x18x12").
Water requirements: The water must be acidic, replicating the blackwater conditions they thrive in: a pH below 6 and minimal hardness. The best way to create these conditions in aquariums is by utilising reverse osmosis (RO) water.
Temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F).
Temperament: Best maintained in a species only tank. Any tank mates must be at least half the size of the pikehead to avoid being eaten, tolerate the same acidic environment and not outcompete the shy pikeheads.
Feeding: Naturally preys on fish and can be difficult to wean onto frozen foods. Use earthworms and live river shrimp to sustain them while you attempt to wean them onto frozen lance fish and similar prey items.
Availability & cost: A rare find in local fish shops, expect to pay upwards of £25 per fish.
Close Relatives
As noted, pikeheads are members of the gourami family and belong to the subfamily Luciocephalinae, which they share with a small group of other unusual species. Their closest relatives, that aquarists are most likely to have encountered, are the chocolate gouramis of the genus Sphaerichthys. The giant chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys acrostoma) is pictured below.
Both genera share an affinity for acidic blackwater habitats, cryptic colouration and behaviour, and a reluctance to accept common prepared foods. Chocolate gouramis have very small mouths adapted for feeding on zooplankton and insect larvae, and often require time to adapt to granules and flakes. In contrast, pikeheads possess a large gape capable of consuming fish up to half their own size, and are unlikely to accept prepared foods at all.
Related article: Predators: The Leaf Fish.
Pikehead Behaviour and Hunting Strategy
These cryptic predators typically remain motionless near the water’s surface for much of the day, using emergent vegetation as cover. They wait patiently for unsuspecting prey to come within striking range.
When a suitably sized fish ventures too close, it is rapidly engulfed by the pikehead’s highly protrusible jaws. The sudden expansion of the mouth creates a powerful suction force, drawing both water and prey inward in a fraction of a second. The strike is so fast that the prey has little to no chance of reaction.
This feeding strategy makes the pikehead a highly efficient ambush predator and an impressive species to observe during feeding in the aquarium.
Aquarium Setup and Aquascaping
Setting up the correct environment from the start will save considerable difficulty later on. Pikeheads are specialist fish that require a carefully designed aquarium to thrive.
Choosing The Aquarium
Although giant pikeheads (Luciocephalus pulcher) can reach 20cm (7.9") in the wild, 15cm (6") is a more typical size in captivity. Combined with their relatively sedentary nature, this makes them suitable for aquaria around 120cm (48") in length. Tank width is more important than height, and a depth of 30cm (12") is sufficient, as this species tends to occupy the shallow margins.
A tightly fitting lid is essential, as with all gouramis and other surface-dwelling species, to prevent escape.
Aquarium Filtration
You will need to avoid powerful filtration, as these fish will not appreciate the brisk current of an external filter. Air driven sponge filters are ideal, while small internal filters can also be used. If you do use an external, the output should be carefully diffused.
Aquascaping For Pikeheads
The aquarium should be decorated with plenty of wood, particularly branching or root-like structures (pictured above) that extend toward the water’s surface, providing cover and ambush points.
Floating plants are highly beneficial, as they diffuse light and further enhance surface cover for these shy fish.
Photo by Alex Bell
An inert sand is a simple, cheap, and effective option for the base of the aquarium. Scatter leaf litter and seed pods across the sand for a natural look. These will release tannins which will stain the water and help to lower the pH, replicating their natural blackwater environment.
Aquatic plants are not essential, but low-light tolerant species like Java ferns and Cryptocoryne can be used to add a subtle pop of greenery. Lighting should remain subdued, as overly bright conditions can cause stress; more demanding plant species are therefore best avoided. Ideally, lighting should be adjustable, with a gradual sunrise and sunset function to minimise disturbance.
Water Chemistry
As peat swamp inhabitants, pikeheads are adapted to soft, acidic water. These conditions are best achieved using reverse osmosis (RO) water or rainwater. In some cases, suitably soft and acidic tap water may also be used.
These fish will not thrive in hard, alkaline water, and long-term exposure to such conditions should be avoided.
Related article: Understanding water hardness.
Breeding Pikeheads
While breeding Luciocephalus in captivity is possible, it is rarely achieved, and detailed reports are limited. Pikeheads are paternal mouthbrooders, much like their Sphaerichthys relatives, with the male responsible for incubating the eggs. You can watch a video of the male collecting the eggs on YouTube.
After spawning, the male carries the eggs in his mouth for approximately 30 days until the fry are fully developed and released. At this stage, the fry should be moved to a separate grow-out tank to prevent predation by the adults.
As with many peat swamp species, success is highly dependent on maintaining soft, acidic water conditions that closely replicate their natural blackwater environment. Stable parameters, a high-quality and varied diet, and minimal disturbance are likely to be critical factors in any breeding attempt.
Related article: What you need to know about predator fish and thiaminase.
Is The Pikehead Right For You?
The giant pikehead (Luciocephalus pulcher) is not a beginner fish and is best suited to experienced aquarists comfortable with specialist setups and blackwater conditions.
Feeding is the main challenge, as they are obligate predators and may initially refuse anything other than live food. Even when settled, it is best to still offer occasional live foods to see your fish at their best.
They are also highly predatory, meaning tank mates must be chosen with extreme care – or avoided entirely.
In return, they offer a rare and fascinating example of ambush predation in the aquarium hobby, but they are only suitable for dedicated aquarists prepared to meet their demanding requirements.