Spadetail Checkerboard Cichlid

The Spadetail Checkerboard Cichlid, scientifically known as Dicrossus maculatus, is an attractive dwarf cichlid native to slow-moving streams, tributaries, and flooded forest areas within the upper Rio Negro and Orinoco River basins in Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of Brazil. Aquarists highly value this species for its peaceful temperament, distinctive appearance, and interesting social behaviors, making it ideal for carefully designed community tanks or specialized biotope setups.

Physically, Dicrossus maculatus displays a slender, elongated body with a distinctive spade-shaped caudal fin, hence its common name, “Spadetail.” Its coloration is predominantly silvery with a series of bold black markings forming an intricate checkerboard pattern along the body. Males exhibit more vivid coloration, particularly during breeding periods, with iridescent blue, green, and red highlights becoming more pronounced. Females are generally less colorful but become vibrantly marked during spawning. Adult size reaches approximately 2.4 inches (6 centimeters), making them suitable for moderately sized aquariums.

In the aquarium, Spadetail Checkered Cichlids thrive best in a heavily planted environment with ample hiding spaces and subdued lighting. The addition of driftwood, leaf litter, and sandy substrates helps replicate their natural habitat, providing comfort and encouraging natural behaviors. A minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair or small group, while larger tanks are preferable for community setups.

Water parameters should closely reflect their natural blackwater habitats, including a temperature range of 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), a slightly acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.8, and soft, low-mineral content water. Maintaining consistent water quality through regular water changes and adequate filtration is crucial, as this species is sensitive to water parameter fluctuations and poor conditions.

Feeding Dicrossus maculatus is straightforward, as they accept a variety of foods. A balanced diet should include high-quality flakes, pellets, and regular offerings of live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and microworms. Providing a varied diet helps enhance their coloration and overall health.

These fish are peaceful and can be kept in small groups or pairs. Ideal tankmates include small peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, and small peaceful catfish. Aggressive, large, or territorial fish should be avoided, as they can stress this gentle species.

Breeding Dicrossus maculatus can be challenging but rewarding. They are substrate-spawning cichlids, typically laying eggs on flat surfaces like broad plant leaves or flat rocks. The female tends to the eggs, displaying protective parental behavior, while the male generally guards the immediate territory. Fry hatch within two to three days and initially require small live foods such as infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Overall, Dicrossus maculatus (Spadetail Checkered Cichlid) is an appealing and rewarding species ideally suited to aquarists seeking peaceful, colorful dwarf cichlids for community or species-specific aquarium setups. Their distinctive appearance, engaging social interactions, and manageable care requirements make them an excellent choice for hobbyists who appreciate small cichlids with vibrant coloration and interesting behaviors.