African Pike Characin, scientifically known as Hepsetus odoe, is a type of predatory freshwater fish from the Hepsetidae family.
Previously, scientists thought there was only one species of this fish, but recent research has discovered more types.
Specifically, African Pike Characin is found in West Africa. This fish likes to live in the upper parts of rivers or smaller rivers where Hydrocynus species are not commonly found.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
African Pike Characin Interesting Facts
- African Pike Characin lives in West Africa, specifically in the upper parts of rivers or smaller rivers.
- It prefers water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C).
- This fish grows up to 17.4 inches (44.2 centimeters) in length with unique features like a high number of gill rakers.
- It has a broad, shallow head, and its body color ranges from brownish on top to yellowish on the underside.
African Pike Characin Habitat
African Pike Characin is found in the eastern part of West Africa, from Ivory Coast’s Sassandra River to Central African Republic’s Shari River.
It also lives in Cameroon’s Kribi River. Other African Pike Characin species are found outside this area.
African Pike Characin lives in freshwater and stays near the bottom (demersal). It migrates within rivers (potamodromous).
This fish thrives in tropical climates and prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, water hardness up to 18 dH, and temperatures between 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
African Pike Characin Physical Characteristics
Size: 17.4 inches (44.2 centimeters)
Adult African Pike Characin grows up to 17.4 inches (44.2 centimeters) long and has the following features.
- It has 43 to 51 lateral line scales.
- The distance between the nostril and lower jaw is short (36.6 to 42.1% of head length).
- It has a high number of gill rakers (17 to 23).
- There are 7.5 to 9.5 scales between the dorsal fin and lateral line and 4.5 to 6.5 scales between the adipose fin and lateral line.
- The head is wide (32.8 to 42.3% of head length) with a high internasal distance (21.9 to 28.3% of head length).
- This fish has a broad, shallow head with a long snout, giving it a plump appearance due to its elongated body shape.
- The top side of the fish’s body is brownish, becoming lighter towards the sides, while its underside is yellowish in color. A faint horizontal pattern runs along its flanks which may have some vertical bands as well; these seem to be related to stress levels.
- All fins except for the adipose fin are yellowish-brown with dark brown spots that become more prominent on larger specimens.
African Pike Characin Reproduction
African Pike Characin creates a unique floating nest made of bubbles.
African Pike Characin Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Hepsetidae |
| Genus: | Hepsetus |
| Scientific Name: | Hepsetus odoe |
| Also Known As: | African Pike Characin |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |