Checkerboard Cichlid
Crenicara punctulata
The enigmatic and placid 'Greater Checkerboard Cichlid' (8-10 cm). Long confused with the small Dicrossus, the Crenicara punctulata is a decidedly more corpulent peaceful benthic hunter. Recognizable by its livery with regular black patches (similar to a camouflage checkerboard) on a grey-bronze background and an unusual, pointed funnel-shaped snout. It lacks disproportionate male fins, proving to be a sober and extremely elegant species, perfect for large Amazonian community tanks in half-light. It has an enviable chemical tolerance, avoiding the lethal fragility of its Dicrossus cousins.
Température de l’eau
22 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
5.5 - 7
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
8,5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 100 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 5 dKH
TDS
25 - 200 ppm
Conductivité
39 - 313 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Central Amazon River basin and Guiana rivers. Inhabits slow or moderate-flowing rivers, oxbow lakes shaded by trees and bodies of water rich in submerged wood and dry leaves.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara punctulata). Dwarf cichlid with a tapered and elegant body. Shares the family (and a vague juvenile resemblance) with the genus Dicrossus, but has a rounded/oval tail instead of lanceolate or lyre-shaped.
Social Behavior: Very peaceful compared to other dwarf Cichlids. Relatively shy if kept with overly boisterous fish. Does well in small groups (e.g. one male with 2-3 females) in appropriately sized tanks.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Checkerboard" livery: alternating rows of square black spots along the silvery/golden flanks. Adult males develop reddish and iridescent blue coloration on the fins and are noticeably larger and slenderer than females.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 100 cm (40 inches) in length. Necessary fine sand bottom, numerous shelters formed by bogwood roots, oak branches, half coconuts and dry leaves (Catappa) that amber the water.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Divide meals. Requires daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms (frozen or live), accompanied by very fine protein granules for dwarf Cichlids that sink slowly.
Water Quality: Extremely sensitive to chemical quality. Demands soft (low GH) and acidic waters (pH 5.5 - 6.5), irrelevant nitrates and frequent, meticulous water changes.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal pairing with small South American fish (calm Characins like Neons, Nannostomus) and peaceful bottom fish (Corydoras, Otocinclus). Not suitable for tanks with large or aggressive Cichlids.
Aquarium Breeding: Females lay pinkish eggs (about 100) on broad leaves, flat roots or sheltered rocks. Notable parental care by the female, while the male patrols the perimeter.
Risks and Diseases: Failure to acidify the water and poor hygiene lead to rapid systemic bacterial infections or Hexamita (hole-in-the-head disease).
Origine et répartition géographiques
Central Amazon River basin and Guiana rivers. Inhabits slow or moderate-flowing rivers, oxbow lakes shaded by trees and bodies of water rich in submerged wood and dry leaves.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmazonie, Orénoque et Guyanes
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- Crenicara punctulata exhibits a generally peaceful temperament but displays typical cichlid territoriality. They are highly intelligent and curious, often interacting with their environment and observing outside the tank. They thrive in well-decorated tanks that offer ample opportunities for exploration.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Crenicara punctulata is a micro-predator that feeds on small invertebrates in its natural habitat. In the aquarium, they readily accept high-quality sinking pellets and flakes. Providing regular offerings of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms is necessary to keep them healthy and vibrant.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 8.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- Keeping a harem of one male to two or three females is ideal for Crenicara punctulata. Males can be aggressive toward each other if the tank is not large enough to establish separate territories. Females will often establish their own small territories within the male's larger domain.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is best to feed Crenicara punctulata small portions one to two times daily. Ensure that the food reaches the middle to lower levels of the tank where they prefer to feed. Removing any uneaten food promptly helps prevent water quality deterioration.
- Charge biologique
- Medium
- Crenicara punctulata produces a moderate bioload that is manageable with standard filtration systems. As dwarf cichlids, they do not create massive amounts of waste like their larger relatives. Regular water changes and diligent gravel vacuuming are essential to maintain the pristine water conditions they require.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- They appreciate a gentle to moderate water flow, mimicking the sluggish streams and backwaters of their native Amazonian habitats. Strong currents can stress Crenicara punctulata and make it difficult for them to navigate their environment. Driftwood and dense planting can help break up the flow and provide sheltered areas.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Crenicara punctulata has a moderate jump risk, especially when startled or escaping aggressive tank mates. They usually stay near the bottom or middle of the water column. Keeping a secure lid on the aquarium is always a wise precaution.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Crenicara punctulata involves providing soft, acidic water and plenty of broad-leafed plants or flat stones for egg-laying. The female is typically responsible for guarding the eggs and the fry. Males may mate with multiple females, so a harem setup can be beneficial.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Highly aggressive
- This dwarf cichlid is relatively peaceful and suitable for community tanks with small, fast-moving tetras and rasboras. While generally tolerant, Crenicara punctulata can become territorial during breeding periods. It is best to avoid keeping them with highly aggressive or excessively large tank mates.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- These cichlids predominantly occupy the middle and bottom levels of the aquarium. They enjoy sifting through soft, sandy substrates in search of food particles. Providing plenty of hiding spots among rocks, wood, and plants will make Crenicara punctulata feel secure.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,2 ± 0,5 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.75
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01445, b = 3.08
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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