{"product_id":"checkerboard-cichlid","title":"Checkerboard Cichlid","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"469\"\u003eThe Checkerboard Cichlid is a small and beautifully patterned South American cichlid, named for the intricate checkerboard-like markings on its body. Males are more vividly colored with bright red fins and elongated dorsal rays, while females are slightly smaller with subtler patterns. Despite its striking appearance, it remains a peaceful and shy species, making it ideal for well-planted community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"701\"\u003eThis species is \u003cstrong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"507\"\u003emoderate in care\u003c\/strong\u003e, requiring stable water parameters, soft substrate, and plenty of hiding spaces. It is sensitive to water quality fluctuations but thrives when kept in a calm and well-maintained environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"706\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eCare Requirements:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"773\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"773\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"749\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–30 gallons minimum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"803\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"803\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"792\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28 °C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"804\" data-end=\"851\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"851\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"813\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"880\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"880\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"873\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"915\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"915\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"899\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful, shy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"927\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore — high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods like daphnia or brine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1033\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1066\"\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003eCheckerboard Cichlids are \u003cstrong data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003ebottom to mid-level dwellers\u003c\/strong\u003e that enjoy planted aquariums with driftwood and leaf litter. They are generally peaceful but may display mild territorial behavior when breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1304\"\u003eSuitable tankmates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1334\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1307\" data-end=\"1334\"\u003eSmall tetras and rasboras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003eCorydoras and small peaceful catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003eDwarf cichlids of similar size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1478\"\u003eAvoid aggressive or much larger fish that could intimidate them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1483\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1502\"\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1551\"\u003eheavily planted aquarium with hiding spots\u003c\/strong\u003e and soft substrate is ideal. Driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter create natural territories and shelter for these shy cichlids. Moderate lighting and gentle filtration help replicate their natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1906\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1906\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eA beautifully patterned, peaceful dwarf cichlid with checkerboard markings—perfect for planted South American-style community aquariums.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47951156347102,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/IMG_7185_2.heic?v=1773695728","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/checkerboard-cichlid","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}