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Double Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid · double red
📍 South America
The Double Red is a selectively bred form of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid featuring intense red coloration on both the dorsal and caudal fins. Males are vividly colored and display elaborate fin-fanning behavior during courtship.
Care Guide
Diet
Double Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, small flake foods, and regular offerings of frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality in their typically small tank setups.
Behavior
These cichlids are territorial and aggressive during breeding, with males displaying elaborate fin-fanning and color intensification as courtship behavior. They are bottom-dwelling fish that spend much of their time foraging and exploring substrate, and they require plenty of hiding spots and caves to feel secure and reduce aggression.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires careful conditioning, stable water parameters, and dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate cave structures. Pairs are monogamous and highly protective of fry; females typically lay 40-100 eggs in caves and guard them fiercely while males defend territory. Fry are free-swimming after 5-7 days and can be fed infusoria and micro foods initially.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters that occupy different tank zones and won't compete with cichlids
Small schooling fish; may be viewed as prey by larger males, best in established groups
May be predated upon; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots
Similar dwarf cichlid with territorial tendencies; requires large tank and careful observation
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against objects, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, fin loss progressing toward body
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Hexamita (Hole-in-the-Head)
Pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, lethargy, white stringy feces
Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole-based medication if available
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, fin damage, color loss, behavioral changes
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent changes, isolate affected fish if possible, use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment
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