Cockatoo Cichlid "Orange Flash" (Apistogramma cacatuoides) Care Guide
A hardy, widely bred Amazonian dwarf cichlid; "Orange Flash" is a selectively bred colour strain of Apistogramma cacatuoides.
Overview
Apistogramma cacatuoides, the cockatoo cichlid, is the Apistogramma species most commonly bred in captivity. Males reach about 7.5-8 cm and roughly twice the size of females, with elongated dorsal rays and red or orange fin coloration. "Orange Flash" is one of many selectively bred colour strains.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides "Orange Flash"
- Described by: Hoedeman, 1951
Habitat
The species inhabits the upper Amazon basin, from the ríos Ucayali and Amazonas in Peru to the Solimões in Brazil, and into Colombia. It occupies small, shallow streams and lagoon-like waters in the rainforest, in slower tributaries, backwaters and creeks where leaf litter accumulates, across black, white and clear water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-29 °C (75-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Wild populations favour soft, slightly acidic water (around pH 5.0-6.0), but captive-bred fish are more flexible. A sandy substrate with caves and wood roots is appropriate.
Diet
It is primarily carnivorous, accepting live and frozen foods such as Artemia and bloodworm, along with prepared sinking foods.
Compatibility
A bottom-oriented, semi-aggressive species. Captive-raised specimens suit community aquariums, while wild-caught fish are best kept alone or with small dither fishes. Avoid mixing with other Apistogramma, angelfish or aggressive cichlids. Suitable companions include neon tetra, rummy-nose tetra, pygmy corydoras and Otocinclus.
Breeding
A cave/substrate spawner: females deposit eggs in cavities or beneath leaves and provide sole parental care while the male guards territory. In smaller tanks the male may need to be removed. Subordinate males may adopt a female-mimicking "sneaker" strategy.