Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid care guide
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-7. Peaceful bottom-water species.
Overview
The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a small South American cichlid whose males display elongated, brightly coloured dorsal fin rays resembling the crest of a cockatoo. Females are smaller and more uniformly yellow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
- Common synonyms: Cockatoo Cichlid
Habitat
Native to tributaries of the Ucayali, Amazon and Solimões rivers from the Pachitea River to Tabatinga in Peru and Colombia. The species inhabits shallow, slow-moving streams and lagoon margins with leaf litter and submerged wood; preferred temperature is 24-28 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore. In aquaria offer quality sinking cichlid pellets supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Several small portions per day produce better colour than one large feeding.
Compatibility
Suited to a soft-water community tank with mid-water dither fish such as Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora and Otocinclus. Avoid combining with other dwarf cichlids in smaller tanks, where territorial conflict is likely. Males may keep small harems of two or more females.
Breeding
A cave-spawner with female-led brood care. The female deposits salmon-coloured eggs on the roof of a cavity such as a cave, coconut shell or large leaf, and guards them alone while the male defends the wider territory. Submissive "sneaker" males that mimic female appearance may also attempt to spawn.