A striking, slender South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct black checkerboard pattern along its flanks. Unlike many cichlids, they are exceptionally peaceful community fish. They are strict blackwater species, requiring very soft, acidic water, sand substrate, and leaf litter to thrive.
Checkerboard Cichlid At a Glance
Checkerboard Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Checkerboard Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Checkerboard Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Checkerboard Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Checkerboard Cichlid Water Parameters
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Checkerboard Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Checkerboard Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are larger, develop stunning iridescent blue and red spangling on their faces/fins, and grow impressive lyretail extensions. They are mildly territorial toward other males; keeping one male per tank is recommended alongside a harem of females.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Lyretail, Male Checkerboard, Standard
Female
Females are significantly smaller and maintain a round (spade-shaped) tail fin. When in breeding condition, their ventral fins turn a vibrant red. They are highly peaceful and can be kept in groups.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Checkerboard
Checkerboard Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Checkerboard Cichlid, scientifically known as Dicrossus filamentosus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Checkerboard Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 4.5–6.5 and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Checkerboard Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Checkerboard Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Checkerboard Cichlid, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Checkerboard Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Checkerboard Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Checkerboard Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Checkerboard Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Checkerboard Cichlid
How big does Checkerboard Cichlid get?
Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Checkerboard Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Checkerboard Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Checkerboard Cichlid need?
Checkerboard Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Checkerboard Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Checkerboard Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Checkerboard Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Checkerboard Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Checkerboard Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Checkerboard Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Checkerboard Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Checkerboard Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Pencilfish
Nannostomus marginatus
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesCommon Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Checkerboard Cichlid
These plants pair well with Checkerboard Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Checkerboard Cichlid
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.
Apistogramma Broad-banded
Apistogramma breitbinden
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid from the upper Orinoco basin, formally described in 2011 as Apistogramma megaptera. They are named for the broad, dark band extending across their face. As a blackwater species, they demand warm, soft, highly acidic water to thrive. While generally peaceful in a community setting, they are fiercely territorial substrate-spawners.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid
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A small, colorful, and surprisingly peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their 'smiling' facial markings and iridescent blue/green flanks. Unlike many of their larger cousins, they are excellent community fish, though they may become mildly territorial when breeding.
Black Acara
Cichlasoma bimaculatum
A hardy, adaptable, and robust South American cichlid. They are relatively peaceful compared to larger cichlids but become highly territorial when breeding. Known for their oval-shaped body, greyish-green coloration, and a distinct black mid-lateral spot. They naturally sift through the substrate and require sandy bottoms.
Kribensis
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A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
A remarkably peaceful and shy South American cichlid, named for the distinctive keyhole-shaped black marking on its flank. Unlike many of its cousins, it rarely digs or destroys plants and makes an excellent resident for a peaceful community tank. When stressed or frightened, it can rapidly mottle its colors to blend in with its surroundings.