diff --git a/recipes/pcmdi_metrics/meta.yaml.in b/recipes/pcmdi_metrics/meta.yaml.in
index da9e037be..0c93cf241 100644
--- a/recipes/pcmdi_metrics/meta.yaml.in
+++ b/recipes/pcmdi_metrics/meta.yaml.in
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ requirements:
     - jupyterlab
     - nb_conda
     - nb_conda_kernels
-    _ cdms2 <3.1.2.2019
+    - cdms2 <3.1.2.2019