Checkerboard Cichlid, scientifically known as Dicrossus filamentosus, is a small cichlid fish found in Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil’s Rio Negro and Orinoco regions.
While keeping this fish in an aquarium, it’s best to keep it in pairs for optimum growth. Also, the tank should be at least 80 cm long.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Checkerboard Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Checkerboard Cichlids (Dicrossus filamentosus) are found in South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil’s Rio Negro and Orinoco regions.
- Females care for eggs and baby fish alone, keeping males away; eggs hatch in 3 days.
- Ideal aquarium conditions: pH of 5.0 to 7.0, water hardness (dH) of 5 to 8, temperature of 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C).
- These fish grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in length.
Checkerboard Cichlid Habitat
Checkerboard Cichlid is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon River basin, the Negro River drainage area, and the Orinoco River basin from Colombia’s Inírida River to Maripa in Venezuela.
This fish lives in freshwater and prefers to swim close to the bottom (benthopelagic).
The ideal water conditions are a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0, a water hardness level (dH) of 5 to 8, and a temperature range of 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 7.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 8 dH |
Checkerboard Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Checkerboard Cichlid grows up to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) long.
Checkerboard Cichlid Reproduction
Checkerboard Cichlids lays eggs on leaves or on the ground.
After laying eggs, the female cares for the baby fish alone and keeps the male away. The eggs hatch in 3 days.
Checkerboard Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Dicrossus |
| Scientific Name: | Dicrossus filamentosus |
| Also Known As: | Checkerboard Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |