Dicrossus filamentosus

[Bilbo]

We have just had notice that some very cool company has imported a limited number of Checkerboard Cichlids into the country. I have seen these only once before and then only males.

They are $40 each and to small to sex and only 15 total have been imported.

I have been told that if I get 2 or more then the biggest will become a male so a pair is more or less assured but I have found a lot of contradictory advice about this. Can anyone confirm a sex change to make a pair?

 

[Mike Wise]

There is no proven report that Dicrossus species change sex like Crenicara punctulatum. My suggestion is to buy the largest fish on which, hopefully, the caudal fin appears squared off/truncated on the posterior edge and shows some hints of a pattern. This should be a male. Then look carefully for any fish with red ventral fins. This definitely will be a female who has previously spawned. Otherwise try to find a moderate sized fish with a more rounded posterior edge on the caudal fin and no pattern. Then pray!