Checkerboard Cichlid

Dicrossus filamentosus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Negro & Orinoco Basins, South America

Exquisite micro-cichlid with a chequered body pattern and lyre-shaped tail on males. Requires very soft, acidic blackwater conditions. Peaceful but demanding — rewarding for experienced aquascapers.

Size3"

Min Tank20g

School2+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Checkerboard cichlids are micropredators requiring small live or frozen foods as their primary diet. Offer finely crushed flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, cyclops, and newly hatched brine shrimp daily in small portions. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like spinach, but prioritize protein-rich micro prey to maintain coloration and health.

Behavior

These are shy, bottom-dwelling cichlids that exhibit peaceful temperament but require dense vegetation and hiding spots to feel secure. Males display territorial behavior during breeding but rarely aggress toward other species; they are most active during low-light periods and prefer dimly lit tanks. They are best kept in pairs or small groups in well-established, mature aquariums.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists due to their demanding water chemistry requirements and secretive spawning behavior. Pairs require pristine blackwater conditions (pH 4.5–5.5, very soft water), dense moss, and minimal disturbance to attempt spawning. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria and liquid fry food for the first weeks.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Similar size, peaceful, shares preference for soft acidic water and bottom-dwelling habitat

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish compatible with blackwater conditions and similar temperature range

good

Panda Tetra

Gentle micro-tetra that thrives in soft, acidic water without competing for bottom space

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be preyed upon by cichlids; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with ample hiding spots

caution

Ramshorn Snail

Peaceful algae grazer that shares preference for soft water and does not compete for food

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use salt-free ich treatment formulated for sensitive species; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pH and temperature stability

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions and avoid stress

Hole-in-the-Head Disease

Symptoms

Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes, ensure varied diet with quality foods, treat with metronidazole if parasitic; avoid activated carbon in filter