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.