Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid 'Super Red' Care Guide
The Super Red cockatoo dwarf cichlid is a selectively bred form of Apistogramma cacatuoides, a small Amazonian cave-spawning cichlid.
Overview
The Super Red is a selectively bred colour form of Apistogramma cacatuoides, the cockatoo dwarf cichlid, a small Amazonian cichlid. The species shows strong sexual dimorphism, with males about twice the size of females, and males developing an elevated, cockatoo-like dorsal fin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides "Super Red"
- Origin: selectively bred from A. cacatuoides
Habitat
Apistogramma cacatuoides is native to the upper Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and western Brazil, where it lives in small, shallow rainforest streams and lagoon-like waters with leaf-covered bottoms. Unusually for a South American dwarf cichlid, it tolerates harder, more alkaline 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
Diet
The cockatoo dwarf cichlid is primarily carnivorous. It does best on small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia, complemented by suitable prepared foods.
Compatibility
Males are highly territorial and females become territorial during brood care. The species suits planted aquaria with peaceful dither fish such as tetras. Multiple males should not be kept together in small tanks.
Breeding
Apistogramma cacatuoides is a cave spawner with harem polygamy. The female deposits eggs inside a cavity or beneath a leaf and guards them alone while the male defends the surrounding territory; some males also display sneaker behaviour by mimicking females.