Maculatus Checkerboard Cichlid

Dicrossus maculatus is the spotted checkerboard cichlid from the Tapajos and Xingu drainages of Brazil, differing from D. filamentosus in its more prominent spot pattern and slightly stockier build. Males develop elongated caudal filaments during breeding condition and display vivid red and blue throat colouration. Demands very soft, acidic, warm water and is best kept in a species biotope.

Maintain very soft, extremely acidic water (pH 4.5–6.2) with warm temperatures (26–30°C). Use RO water with peat filtration or blackwater extract. Feed small live and frozen foods (artemia, daphnia, micro-worms). A species tank with fine sand substrate is ideal. Sensitive to poor water quality and hard water.