Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 74-82°F. A small, checker-marked dwarf cichlid from soft, acidic blackwater. It is peaceful and shy but fussy about water: San Diego tap water is hard, so most keepers mix it with RO water to get soft, acidic conditions.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Dicrossus filamentosus |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Rio Negro and nearby blackwater rivers, South America |
| Adult size | 2.5-3 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 74-82°F |
| pH | 5.0-6.8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Social behavior | One male with a few females |
| Swim level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Carnivore: small frozen foods, baby brine shrimp, micro pellets |
| Typical lifespan | 3-5 years |
Quick tips
- Use soft, acidic water, usually mixing RO or other soft water with tap.
- Provide leaf litter, caves and plants.
- Keep with small, calm tankmates only.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi