Chessboard Cichlid
Dicrossus maculatus
Chessboard Cichlid is a peaceful middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Chessboard Cichlid?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 86 US gal (325 L) or larger / ≥ 51.2" (≥ 130 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 79–84°F (26–29°C)
- pH
- 5.5–6.8
- GH
- 4–14 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 86 US gal (325 L) or larger / ≥ 51.2" (≥ 130 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 26–29 °C, pH 5.5–6.8, GH 4–14 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Chessboard Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Chessboard Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Feed assorted high-quality frozen foods; live foods may be important when conditioning breeders.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 86 US gal (325 L) or larger / ≥ 51.2" (≥ 130 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Brazil.
Breeding notes
Adult maintenance and breeding are different: extreme acidity and almost mineral-free water are breeding guidance, not an obligatory year-round target. Use cover and separate territories; adult males can need separation.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Chessboard Cichlid get?
Chessboard Cichlid reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).
What aquarium size does Chessboard Cichlid need?
Use an aquarium of at least 86 US gal (325 L) or larger / ≥ 51.2" (≥ 130 cm) minimum length.
Is Chessboard Cichlid peaceful?
Yes. Chessboard Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Chessboard Cichlid?
Keep it between 26 to 29 °C.
