Hermaphrodite Checkerboard Cichlid (Crenicara punctulata)

Remarks: Hermaphrodite Checkerboard Cichlids (Crenicara punctulata), also called Giant Checkerboard Cichlids, are a very unique dwarf cichlid from Peru. They sport the typical checkered pattern of Dicrossus species, with bright orange pelvic fins and blues and greens appearing as they age. What makes this species unique is that they all start out as female. If they do not detect the presence of a male in the tank (or school, in the wild), they can change to males. Males typically lose the bright orange pelvic fins but gain more color on the body and fins. They require a large area of sand to search for food, but also a few secluded places to seek shelter during infrequent territorial disputes.  Scientific Name: Crenicara punctulata Common Name: Hermaphrodite Checkerboard Cichlid Max Size: 4" pH: 5.0-7.0 Hardness: Soft Temperature: 72-82° Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive Region of Origin: South America Captive Bred or Wild: Wild Diet: Flake or pellet Compatibility: Dwarf cichlids, school