Overview
- The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a hardy South American dwarf cichlid named for the male’s tall, crest-like dorsal fin.
- Widespread in the upper Amazon basin, in slow tributaries, backwaters and creeks with leaf litter.
- Males reach about 3 in (7.5 cm) standard length and females about 2 in (5 cm).
- Many line-bred color forms exist, including “double red,” “triple red,” “orange flash” and gold.
Feeding
- Mainly carnivorous, eating small bottom-dwelling invertebrates in the wild.
- Offer live and frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia and bloodworm regularly.
- Most fish learn to accept good-quality dried foods too.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm) for a pair or a male with females.
- Soft sand, driftwood, leaf litter and caves such as small clay pots or pipes.
- Water: 72–84°F (22–29°C), pH 5.0–6.0, GH 0–15.
Fish Care
- One of the easier Apistogramma to keep.
- Plenty of cover and caves reduce stress and give females spawning sites.
Compatibility
- Captive-bred fish are fine in a well-chosen community tank.
- Wild fish do best alone or with small dither fish such as pencilfish.
- Avoid mixing with other Apistogramma species.
Aquarium Behavior
- Males are larger, more colorful and have longer fins than females.
- Females become very protective when guarding fry.
Breeding
- A cave spawner that lays eggs in crevices or cavities.
- The female guards the eggs and fry.
- In small tanks the male may need to be removed, as the female can become very aggressive.