Checkerboard Cichlid

Discover the Checkerboard Cichlid, a captivating addition to any freshwater aquarium. This charming dwarf cichlid brings a striking checkerboard pattern to your tank, blending color, personality, and easy adaptability for a vibrant focal point in your aquatic setup.

Overview

• Distinctive appearance: a bold, checkerboard mosaic of black, gold, and white hues that stands out in both dim and bright lighting.
• Size and presence: a compact dwarf cichlid, typically spanning 2–3 inches when fully grown, ideal for community tanks without overpowering other inhabitants.
• Peaceful temperament: generally calm and shy, becoming more confident with established tank mates and hiding places.
• Ideal for aquariums: thrives in well-planted setups with soft substrates and plenty of hiding spots, algae wafers, and driftwood for enrichment.

Care & Setup

The Checkerboard Cichlid prefers a softly acidic to neutral, moderately warm environment. Set up a tank of 20 gallons or larger to accommodate a pair or a small group. Provide gentle filtration, steady water flow, and dim lighting to mimic its natural Amazonian habitat. Create visual interest with live or artificial plants, caves, and driftwood to offer retreat spaces during daily activities. Maintain water parameters around pH 6.0–7.5 and a temperature of 74–82°F (23–28°C). Regular partial water changes help keep stress low and colors vibrant.

Diet & Feeding

The Checkerboard Cichlid is an omnivore, thriving on a varied diet. Offer high-quality flake or pellet foods as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen options such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small portions 1–2 times daily, removing any uneaten food to keep the tank clean and reduce waste buildup.

Breeding & Compatibility

Breeding typically involves a dedicated pair that will establish a territory and defend a chosen cave or crevice. Provide multiple hidy spots and keep the lighting subdued to reduce stress during spawning. In community tanks, pair the Checkerboard Cichlid with similarly sized, peaceable species that share similar water needs, ensuring plenty of hiding spaces to minimize aggression. Always monitor introductions to maintain harmony and well-being for all tank inhabitants.

Bring home the Checkerboard Cichlid to enjoy its unique pattern, engaging behavior, and compact size—perfect for enhancing any freshwater aquarium with color, charm, and natural personality.