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Checkerboard Cichlid

Crenicara punctulata

Freshwater South America Usually captive bred

A timid, elegant dwarf cichlid decorated with a double row of squarish black blotches forming a chequerboard pattern. It requires very soft, acidic water and low nitrates to thrive. Provide dense planting, leaf litter, and calm tank mates to help this gentle forager feel secure.

Also called: Checkerboard cichlid, Hercules cichlid.

8 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 8 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 90 L, at least 60 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 15 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 24 to 29 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 5 to 6.8 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 1 to 6, KH 0 to 3 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 5 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Checkerboard Cichlid is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.