Cockatoo Cichlid – Apistogramma Cacatuoides

Common Name: Cockatoo Cichlid

Scientific Name: Apistogramma Cacatuoides

Average Adult Fish Size: 9 cm / 3.5 inches

Place of Origin: Amazon River S. America

Typical Tank Setup: Well planted with drift wood / bogwood, open space and some rock work.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 15 gallon / 60 litre for a breeding pair

Compatibility: They are a peaceful community type fish and should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar or smaller size.

Temperature: 23-26 Deg C / 73-79 Deg F

Water Chemistry: pH 6.0 – 8.0

Feeding: Will readily accept flakes, small pellets, frozen and live foods that are suitable for their size.

Sexing: Males are larger and more colorful. A mature male will also have longer fins with pointed trailers. Venting is the only sure way to determine gender with juveniles though.

Breeding: Spawns in a cave or on a root. Each spawning only results in a smaller number of eggs. Usually only around 50. Set up a cave which is only just big enough for the pair to fit in but small enough that them to feel secluded. They are not fussy when it comes to finding a place to breed, they have even been known to lay eggs on the underside of leaves. The main considerations are- the pair need to be well fed, water quality good and the pair are not stressed out by humans or other fish.

Fry will readily accept baby brine shrimp or micro-worms.

Additional Information: Cockatoo Cichlids are just one of the few dwarf cichlids that are available.