Dicrossus sp. Alenquer

Dicrossus sp. 'Alenquer' is an undescribed checkerboard cichlid from the Alenquer region of western Pará, Brazil, in the lower Amazon basin. Males develop elongated caudal fin extensions flushed with red-orange iridescence and carry a more prominent and densely packed lateral spot series compared to other Dicrossus species. It inhabits very shallow, tea-coloured blackwater streams with abundant leaf litter and submerged roots. Water hardness is essentially zero in its natural habitat. In captivity it requires the same ultra-soft, warm, acidic conditions. A substrate spawner, it deposits eggs among leaf litter or on smooth surfaces; the female guards the clutch while the male defends the perimeter. Best maintained in a dedicated species setup or with the smallest, most peaceful soft-water community species.

Water: Ultra-soft; pH 4.5–6.2, temperature 26–30 °C, KH 0–1. Tank: 60 L+; Indian almond leaves, fine sand, blackwater extract, dim light. Feeding: Live artemia nauplii, daphnia, micro-worm, finely crushed flake. Breeding: Substrate spawner; soft, acidic water critical for egg viability. Compatibility: Species tank strongly preferred; only micro-tetras or pencilfish if shared.