Dicrossus sp. Tapajos

Dicrossus sp. 'Tapajos' is an undescribed checkerboard cichlid collected from clear-to-blackwater tributaries of the Rio Tapajós in Pará, Brazil. It shares the genus's characteristic checkerboard flank markings and elongated caudal fin lobes but is distinguished from D. maculatus by a notable orange-yellow margin along the dorsal fin, a feature not documented in the described species. Like all Dicrossus, it is a delicate substrate spawner requiring very soft, warm, acidic water, abundant leaf litter, and tannin-stained conditions for long-term health and reproduction. Males are slightly larger with more vivid fin colouration. It is best maintained in a species or near-species setup. High water quality and consistent parameters are essential. A genuine rarity for the specialist hobbyist.

Water: Very soft; pH 4.5–6.2, temperature 26–30 °C, near-zero conductivity. Tank: 60 L+; leaf litter, Indian almond leaves, fine sand, dim light. Feeding: Live daphnia, artemia nauplii, micro-worm, frozen fine foods. Breeding: Substrate spawner; female guards clutch; best in species tank. Compatibility: Only with very small, very gentle soft-water species.