Apistogramma cacatuoides

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Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Species Apistogramma cacatuoides
Difficulty Moderate
Min. Tank Size 75.708 liters
75,708.236 mL

20 US Gallons (75.7L)

Size 7.62 cm

2-3 " (5.1-7.6cm)

pH 6.0 - 7.0
Temp. 297.039 K
23.889 °C
534.67 °R

299.817 K
26.667 °C
539.67 °R75 -80 °F (23.9-26.7°C)

Water Hardness

6-10

Stocking Ratio 1:1 M:F
Availability Uncommon
Diet

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

Life Span

3-5 years

Contents

[edit] Alternative names

Cockatoo Apisto, Crested Apisto, Crested Dwarf Cichlid, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

[edit] Aquarium Colour Variations

“Orange Flash”, “Triple-Red”, “Yellow/Gold”

[edit] Origin

Oxbow Lakes and Streams of the Peruvian Amazon.

[edit] Sexing

The first 3-5 spiny rays of males dorsal fine are elongated greatly, and his tail is slightly lyre shaped. Being half the size of the male, the female lacks these features, and will turn bight yellow during spawn.

[edit] Breeding

Requires soft water to breed. Like most Apistos, cockatoos are harem breeders; one male spreads his time between multiple females. This fish is a cave breeder; the female may lay from 50-100 eggs on the roof of a cave, which the male then fertilizes. Female will guard eggs and subsequent fry, while male will defend entire territory. Since a males territory may encompass more then one brooding female, the dominant female maybe take control or the raising of all fry in the territory.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Considered to be peaceful and a good community fish. Males are territorial, and if more then one male is kept in the same tank, much space and cover must be provided to allow for the creation of each males territory. Should not be kept with fin-nippers nor with boisterous bottom dwellers.

[edit] Diet

Good quality flake food, but the addition of frozen, freeze dried and/or live food should be provided. Mosquito larva, tubifex worms, blood worms, water fleas, brine shrimp and Cyclops are all excellent additions to there diet

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day, no more then can be consumed in a few minutes.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Provide with hiding places/caves made from driftwood and unglazed ceramic pots. In order to give them the best quality of life, and enjoy the fullest display of natural behaviors a well-planted tank should be provided.
Sensitive to water quality issues, regular water changes are a must. Cockatoos are sensitive to medications as well.

[edit] Behaviour

A mainly bottom-dwelling cichlid, males will be typically territorial towards one another.

[edit] Identification

Much regional variation in colouration in the wild from, but the standard coloration of the wild form is gray-brown with red and black dorsal and caudal fins.

[edit] Pictures

Orange Female

Orange Male

Orange Male

[edit] External links

Facts about Apistogramma cacatuoides
Availability Uncommon
Common name Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid , Cockatoo Apisto, Crested Apisto, Crested Dwarf Cichlid, and Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Diet Carnivore  +
Difficulty Moderate
Family Cichlidae  +
Foods Pellet Food  +, Flake Food  +, and Live Food  +
Maximum Size 3 in (7.62 cm)  +
Maximum age 5  +
Maximum hardness 10  +
Maximum pH 7  +
Maximum temperature 299.817 K (26.667 °C, 80 °F, 539.67 °R)  +
Minimum Tank Size 20 US Gallon (75.708 liters, 75,708.236 mL)  +
Minimum hardness 6  +
Minimum pH 6  +
Minimum temperature 297.039 K (23.889 °C, 75 °F, 534.67 °R)  +
Scientific name Apistogramma cacatuoides
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