Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus) Care Guide

A beautiful dwarf cichlid with rows of dark spots creating a checkerboard pattern along the body. Males develop elongated lyretail fins.

Overview

Dicrossus filamentosus is a species in the family Cichlidae. A beautiful dwarf cichlid with rows of dark spots creating a checkerboard pattern along the body. Males develop elongated lyretail fins. Requires very soft, acidic water and is sensitive to water quality. A rewarding species for experienced aquarists.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Dicrossus
Scientific name: Dicrossus filamentosus
Other names: Lyretail Checkerboard Cichlid
Origin: South America

Habitat

Native to soft, acidic blackwater tributaries of the middle and upper Río Negro and Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. Inhabits shallow leaf-litter zones; males develop long filamentous tail extensions in the dichotomously branched ("lyretail") form for which the species is known.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 25-29 °C
pH: 4.5-6.5
GH: 0-5 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-7 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cardinal Tetra, Corydoras, Otocinclus
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Hard Water Species, Large Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: advanced