Currently
we have several species of checkerboard cichlids (genera Crenicara and
Dicrossus) in stock. Most of them are real rarities in the hobby, among
them Crenicara punctulatum. We obtained this pretty species from Peru.
Males
of Crenicara punctulatum can attain a maximum length of about 12 cm, so
this species is not a dwarf cichlid in the strict sense. But as this
species is very peaceful the fact that they grow to a bit larger size
doesn´t matter too much. Crenicara punctulatum belongs to the very few
species of freshwater fish that can change the sex. As far as it is
known, all newborn specimens are females. One can recognize sexually
active females easily by the bright orange ventral fins. If no male is
present in the tank, the strongest female will change from a functional
female to a functional male. This phenomenon is very common in marine
coral fish and known under the term of “protogynous hermaphrodism”.
Keeping
Crenicara punctulatum is pretty easy. However, these fish need a larger
place filled with fine sand in the tank. This sand is checked for food
day-in and day-out. The species is an open brooder. Males mate with
several females. The male has to defend the territory while the females
look for the eggs and offspring.
For
our customers: the fish have code 669003 on our stocklist. Please note
that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited
numbers only!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
