Spade-Tail Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus maculatus)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameDicrossus maculatus

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asCrenicara maculata, Maculatus Checkerboard

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietcarnivore

Adult size3.5 in

Minimum tank size20 gallons

Water parametersTemp 79-85°F, pH 4.5-6.5, GH 1-5 dGH

Appearance

Checkerboard rows of dark blotches along the body with a rounded spade-shaped tail (rather than the lyretail of D. filamentosus); subtle reddish and blue highlights on males.

Difficulty and care for the Spade-Tail Checkerboard Cichlid

Hard

Origin and habitat

Lower Amazon tributaries, Brazil

Keeper notes

Peaceful and shy like its lyretail cousin; harmless to most fish but will eat tiny shrimp and fry. Sensitive to water parameters and best kept in a soft-water species or calm blackwater community tank.

Log Spade-Tail Checkerboard Cichlid in your reef tank

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