Chequerboard cichlid - Dicrossus filamentosus

Scientific name: Dicrossus filamentosus

Common name: Chequerboard cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.6 - 6.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 11°N (71.43 - 196.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Chequerboard cichlids are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of aquarium foods. A good staple diet includes high-quality sinking cichlid pellets, which should be supplemented with spirulina flakes, vegetarian flakes, and occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Feeding them small portions twice daily helps maintain their vibrant colors and activity levels.

Origin

Dicrossus filamentosus originates from South America and is found in the soft, acidic waters of the Amazon basin, particularly in parts of Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. They inhabit slow-flowing streams and forest creeks with leaf litter, submerged roots, and dense vegetation.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is evident in mature individuals. Males are slightly larger, more colorful, and have an elongated, forked caudal fin. Females are smaller, rounder, and have a more subdued coloration with a rounded tail fin.

Breeding

To breed chequerboard cichlids, use a separate planted breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a temperature of around 25–26 °C (77–78.8 °F). Condition the breeding pair with a protein-rich diet of live or frozen foods. They will typically lay eggs on broad plant leaves or flat surfaces. Both parents may guard the eggs and fry, although females often take the lead. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming within a week. Feed them with infusoria initially, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

With proper care, chequerboard cichlids can live between 3 and 5 years in a home aquarium.

Short description

The chequerboard cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus) is a small, peaceful dwarf cichlid known for its striking pattern and elegant fins. Despite being a cichlid, it is non-aggressive and fits well in a calm community setup. These fish prefer the lower levels of the aquarium and benefit from soft substrate, leaf litter, and ample hiding spots created with plants, roots, or driftwood. Subdued lighting and stable, slightly acidic conditions will make them feel secure and encourage natural behavior.

Suitable tankmates

Chequerboard cichlids are best kept with other peaceful, small fish that thrive in similar water conditions. Suitable tankmates include:

Ember tetras
Neon tetras
Pygmy corydoras
Otocinclus
Honey gouramis
Other small, peaceful South American species

Recommended plants

Chequerboard cichlids thrive in tanks with dense vegetation and shaded areas. Suitable plant choices include:

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.

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Did you know?

Many commercially available fish cannot be bred in home aquariums unless hormones are used.
Aquarium plants should be properly trimmed; otherwise, they’ll grow to the top, leaving the lower areas in darkness.
Some fish, like Guppies, mature in 3-4 months, while others, like larger cichlids, reach sexual maturity around 6-7 months of age.
Except for live and frozen food, always store fish food in a dry and dark place. Never feed your fish expired food; Always check for the “best before” date!
Never flush a live fish down the toilet! Euthanasia can be done by mixing clove oil with a small amount of water, then gently adding your sick fish if it cannot be cured.