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Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Amazon & Ucayali, South America
Apistogramma cacatuoides is one of the most popular dwarf cichlids, named for the male's elaborate dorsal fin with extended first rays that resemble a cockatoo's crest. Males come in a variety of colour forms (double red, orange flash, triple red) but all share the bold territorial personality typical of apistogrammas. They breed readily in caves and the female alone guards the fry with fierce dedication.
Care Guide
Diet
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids are carnivorous and require high-protein foods. Feed micro pellets, bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp daily in small portions (once daily). Supplement with occasional live foods to encourage natural hunting behavior and maintain vibrant coloration.
Behavior
Males are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their spawning caves, especially during breeding. Females are peaceful toward unrelated species but become fierce guardians of fry. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most time exploring substrate and cave entrances, displaying elaborate fin displays when establishing dominance.
Breeding
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids breed readily in captivity and are considered excellent candidates for home breeding. Provide small caves or coconut shell halves; the female will lay eggs and guard them fiercely while the male defends territory. Fry are free-swimming within 5-7 days and can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that occupies different tank zones and won't compete with cichlids
Small schooling fish that stay in mid-water column; too quick for cichlid predation
May be eaten by cichlids, especially fry; use dense plants for shrimp refuge
Similar temperament and size; may compete for caves during breeding season
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases
Improve water quality with frequent changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line
Perform 50% water changes, improve diet with varied foods including vitamin-enriched options, use activated carbon in filter
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, lethargy
Fast fish for 2-3 days, feed high-quality foods, maintain stable water parameters, use Epsom salt bath (1 tsp per gallon) for 15 minutes daily
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – micro pellets, bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp
- breeding
- Cave spawner; female broods; provide small caves or coconut shells
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 8 cm (3.2 in) males; 5 cm (2.0 in) females
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Males territorial; females aggressive when guarding fry; peaceful toward unrelated species
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)