Care
The Peppermint Pikehead is a fascinating Anabantid known from blackwater swamp habitats within dense tropical forests. Here the water is very soft and acidic, and darkly stained with tannins from the peat and decomposing leaves that have fallen into the water from the canopy above. These micro-predators lurk amongst live and fallen vegetation, slowly drifting about in the water, putting one in mind of a floating twig. Here they will wait for small fish or shrimps to come within striking distance, at once rapidly extending their highly protrusible jaws, and instantly engulfing their prey. These labyrinth fish are best maintained in a large, mature species-only aquarium with gentle current. A dark substrate and an abundance of plant life will help to make these fish feel secure; floating species useful in helping to diffuse the aquarium lighting. Include some driftwood (the spindly Sumatra wood is ideal) to create shady hiding places and visual barriers. Peat filtration is highly recommended. These fish are best kept in small groups (3-5) but they must be of the same size and introduced simultaneously; this is not only more natural for them, but will also further your chances of breeding success. Do not keep with small fish. Tankmates, if they absolutely must be added, must be very peaceful (so as not to intimidate the pikeheads) and of at least the same adult length. The mouths of Peppermint Pikeheads are extremely deceptive - they are capable of swallowing prey that is more than 1/3 their body length. Tight fitting coverslides are essential as these fish are accomplished jumpers. Regular partial water changes are a must in order to maintain the consistent high water quality required. Not recommended for beginners. This species can be differentiated from its Malaysian relative L. pulcher by the beautiful peppermint coloured spots along the flanks; indeed the Latin species name "aura" refers specifically to the glowing iridescence of the lustrous green spots on its body.
Feeding
Offer a variety of meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, finely chopped prawns etc. Newly imported fish may require live river shrimp or crickets, weaning them onto frozen foods over time. These fish are very unlikely to take dry foods. Warning: capable of taking fish that are small enough to fit in their capacious mouths - choose tankmates with care.
Breeding
Paternal mouthbrooders. Peppermint Pikeheads have bred in the home aquarium, but this is a rare event and so would make a great breeding project for the serious hobbyist. Very soft, acidic water is required. When ready to spawn (usually when the first rays of morning light hit the aquarium glass), the female fish shows off to the male in a manner similar to some cichlids when in spawning mode. The pair will select a spawning site, typically a flat piece of decor, and again the female will pose in front of the male, nudging him whilst circling around him and flaring her gills. During this time of courtship, other fish will be chased away. When ready to spawn, the colours of the male will intensify along the throat and flanks, yet he will lighten along the dorsal surface. He will then begin to circle with the female and eventually they will embrace, curling their tails around one another and quivering. The female will release her large sized white eggs onto the pre-chosen spawning site, and these are instantly fertilised by the male. He will then slowly and methodically take the eggs up into his mouth whilst the female watches on. The male will hold the eggs in his mouth for around 30 days before the fully-formed fry are released. He will not attempt to eat during this time. The fry must be separated from the adults once they are released, to avoid falling victim to predation.
