Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara) (Crenicara punctulatum)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCrenicara punctulatum

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asPunctulatum, Sleeper Checkerboard Cichlid

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

DietCarnivore

Adult size4.5 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemp 77-85°F, pH 5.5-7.0, GH 1-10 dGH

Appearance

Elongated body with a checkerboard pattern of dark blotches and a slightly downturned, sleeper-goby-like profile; subtle coloration.

Difficulty and care for the Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara)

Hard

Origin and habitat

Widespread Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia)

Keeper notes

Peaceful and rather shy despite larger size; a sequential hermaphrodite that can change sex. Mild territoriality when spawning.

Log Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara) in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara) alongside everything else in your reef.

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