Picture by Andy Gordon

Checkerboard Cichlids are a peaceful dwarf cichlid ideally suited to soft water aquariums with planted areas and peaceful tankmates. These fish are senstive to water conditions so are not a beginners fish. Whilst peaceful, females will defend spawning sites and eggs or young, during which time they can be quite aggressive within a small territory. Having said this, breeding is difficult and unlikely without specific conditions.
Whilst the species shown here is the most common, there are other Dicrossus species which may also be sold uner the 'checkerboard cichlid' name in a ddition to a lyretail variety.
Provide hiding spots, areas of vegetation, and good quality soft acidic water. For the right aquarium, these fish are a beautiful little species.