checkered cichlid

The checkered cichlid or Krenikara lyretail, scientific name Dicrossus filamentosus, belongs to the Cichlidae family. Sometimes it is also referred to as the Chessboard Cichlid, a beautiful bright and peaceful fish. High demands on the quality and composition of water limit its distribution in the hobby aquarium, so it is found mainly in professional aquariums.

Habitat

It originates in the equatorial and subequatorial parts of South America from the Orinoco and Rio Negro rivers and their numerous tributaries from the territory of modern Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Brazil. The habitat is characterized by dark waters due to the abundance of tannins and numerous snags, the remains of trees that litter the riverbed that flows through the rainforests.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 60 liters.
• Temperature – 27-30°C
• Value pH — 4.5–5.8
• Water hardness – very soft (up to 5 dGH)
• Substrate type – sandy
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is 3–4 cm.
• Meals – any
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content in a group

Description

Adult males reach a length of about 4 cm, females are somewhat smaller and rarely exceed 3 cm. The body pattern consists of dark square dots with rounded corners, arranged in a checkerboard pattern, the fins of males are decorated with red dots and edging. The coloration of both sexes is not so bright, it is dominated by gray and yellowish tones.

Food

The daily diet should consist of a variety of foods, including protein and vegetable supplements. Specialized food for South American cichlids can be an excellent choice, and feeding daphnia and bloodworms will add additional variety to the diet.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Such miniature fish will be content with an aquarium of 60–70 liters. The design uses a sandy substrate, clusters of floating and rooting plants, driftwood of various shapes and other shelters. The lighting level is subdued.

Water conditions are very specific. They have very mild and acidic dGH and pH values, respectively, at high temperature. To maintain the optimal hydrochemical composition and high quality of water, a productive filtration system with effective biological treatment will be required along with a weekly replacement of part of the water (15–20% of the volume) with fresh water.

Sometimes, tree leaves are used to give the water a brown tint inherent in the natural habitat of the Checkered Cichlid, Indian almonds, or ready-made essence, give good results.

Behavior and Compatibility

A shy peaceful fish, which is not surprising given its size. However, it will compete for territory with other small fish. In the general aquarium, it goes well with many calm and friendly species.

Breeding / breeding

Breeding the Checkerboard cichlid in a home aquarium is difficult due to the high requirements for water quality and composition, which have a very narrow acceptable range. Even the slightest fluctuations in pH and dGH values ​​negatively affect the eggs and lead to the death of the fry.

Fish diseases

The main cause of most diseases is unsuitable living conditions and poor-quality food. If the first symptoms are detected, you should check the water parameters and the presence of high concentrations of hazardous substances (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.), if necessary, bring the indicators back to normal and only then proceed with treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.