Dicrossus maculatus

Dicrossus maculatus is a spotted checkerboard cichlid endemic to the lower Rio Tapajós and its adjacent Amazon tributaries in Pará, Brazil. It is closely related to D. filamentosus but can be distinguished by its rounded rather than lyrate caudal fin lobes and more prominent dark body spots. The species inhabits shallow, leaf-littered, softwater streams and river margins. Males display subtle iridescent scaling and modest fin extensions; females show a pale pinkish belly during spawning. Like all Dicrossus, it is a substrate spawner requiring very soft, warm, acidic water and leaf litter for egg deposition. It is delicate and should not be mixed with boisterous fish. Pairs or trios work well in species tanks or in carefully chosen communities with small, peaceful soft-water species.

Water: Very soft; pH 4.5–6.2, temperature 26–30 °C, minimal conductivity. Tank: 60 L+; leaf litter, fine sand, tannin-stained water. Feeding: Live and frozen daphnia, artemia nauplii, cyclops, micro-worm. Breeding: Substrate spawner; female guards; separate from disruptive tankmates. Compatibility: Only with small, peaceful soft-water species such as pencilfish or small tetras.