An attractive and peaceful dwarf cichlid, the Checkerboard Cichlid is found in acidic, blackwater streams in the Orinoco and Negro river basins in Colombia and Brazil. Typically found in extreme shallow water in and around dense piles of fallen leaves, they are social fish and do best in groups of 5 or more (or as male/female pairs). A good community fish in most cases, they appreciate plenty of cover and are ideal fish for planted or botanical style aquariums.
