{"product_id":"redtail-hillstream-loach-copy","title":"Checkerboard Cichlid (Dicrossus filamentosus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Checkerboard Cichlid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Lace-Finned Jewel of the Amazon\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eElevate your aquarium to a masterwork of natural art with the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"62\"\u003eCheckerboard Cichlid\u003c\/b\u003e (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"84\"\u003eDicrossus filamentosus\u003c\/i\u003e). Hailing from the blackwater streams of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, this dwarf cichlid is defined by elegance. While they may appear subtle at first glance, a mature Checkerboard Cichlid—especially a male—is a breathtaking sight. Their slender, pearlescent bodies are adorned with two distinct, shimmering rows of dark squares, creating their namesake pattern. As they mature, males develop elaborate, filamentous extensions on their lyretail and dorsal fins, making them a true showpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy You’ll Love the Checkerboard Cichlid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eStunning Fin Detail:\u003c\/b\u003e The delicate, extended filaments on the fins are unlike any other cichlid, creating a \"lace-like\" effect as they glide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eComplex Behaviour:\u003c\/b\u003e Like many dwarf cichlids, they display fascinating social structures and intricate courtship behaviours, making them incredibly engaging to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Blackwater Specialist:\u003c\/b\u003e Their natural \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"41\"\u003ecolouration\u003c\/b\u003e is perfectly adapted to blackwater tanks, blending beautifully with dark water, leaf litter, and driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePeaceful Demeanor:\u003c\/b\u003e One of the gentler cichlids available, they are safe for communities with other peaceful species and will not \"bulldoze\" your aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eQuick Care Stats\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequirement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,1,0\"\u003eIntermediate to Advanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,1,0\"\u003e75+ Litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Temp\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,0\"\u003e25°C – 29°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003epH Range\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,1,0\"\u003e4.5 – 6.5 (Very Acidic)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,5,1,0\"\u003eCarnivore (Focus on live and frozen foods)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,6,1,0\"\u003ePeaceful \/ Shyer than most cichlids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePro-Tips for a Happy Checkerboard\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003eWater parameters are paramount for this species. They demand very soft, acidic water with significant \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"102\"\u003etannins\u003c\/b\u003e to thrive. A blackwater setup with plenty of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"155\"\u003edriftwood\u003c\/b\u003e and a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"171\"\u003eleaf litter\u003c\/b\u003e bed (such as Indian Almond leaves) is not just beneficial—it's essential for replicating their habitat and bringing out their best \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"314\"\u003ecolours\u003c\/b\u003e. They are also sensitive to nitrate levels, requiring consistent water maintenance. For the best display, keep them in pairs or small harems (one male, multiple females).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAquarist Note:\u003c\/b\u003e While peaceful, they are micro-predators. They should be fed small frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, or Cyclops, and they will absolutely hunt (and likely eliminate) tiny neocaridina shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Omega Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53282466824535,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/9161\/4551\/files\/CheckerboardCichlid.jpg?v=1775889302","url":"https:\/\/omegaaquatics.shop\/products\/redtail-hillstream-loach-copy","provider":"Omega Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}