Spade-tail Checkerboard Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Central Amazon, in particular Rio Tapajos and Rio Madeira basin (Brazil). Inhabits clear waters (Clearwater) but very soft or rainforest streams (Blackwater) with pure sand bottoms.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Spadetail Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus maculatus). The first of its species to be described (1875). Tubular in shape. The key feature is the tail: adult males develop a large lozenge or "spade" tail.

Social Behavior: Peaceful behavior, a methodical swimmer who loves to spend hours examining the sand. Less intolerant than its cousins. Can be kept in small groups (e.g. 2 males, 4 females) in sufficiently large tanks.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Presents a pattern of black square spots that often appear more marked and in 3 precise rows (compared to filamentosus). Males boast a red/blue "spade" tail, while females have round tails and washed-out colorations.

Aquarium Setup: Base of 80 cm (32 inches) for a pair, >120 cm (48 inches) for schools. MANDATORY sandy bottom for gleaning. Setup with few plants but innumerable wooden shelters (bogwood, branches). Still water.

Diet and Feeding: In nature it feeds on micro-invertebrates that it unearths by blowing and filtering sand from its gills. In the tank administer mini bloodworms, nauplii, lobster eggs and crumbled flakes. Does not chase fast prey.

Water Quality: Similar to all Dicrossus: hates nitrogenous compounds, limestone and aggressive tap water. Prefers warm temperatures, up to a constant 28-29°C (82-84°F), essential for reproduction and vitality.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for Symphysodon (Discus) and Pterophyllum (Angelfish), being thermophilic and peaceful. Avoid combination with excessively "digging" Corydoras (e.g. C. aeneus) that would disrupt its territories.

Aquarium Reproduction: Females become hyper-territorial after spawning (always on broad sunken leaves), brutally expelling the male and assuming flaming magenta-red fins. Larvae are extremely fragile to temperature fluctuations.

Risks and Diseases: Zero tolerance for copper-based cures (kills it in a few hours). Bacterial infections of the gills are the rule in crowded or polluted tanks.