Cockatoo apistogramma
Apistogramma cacatuoides · Cichlidae
Also known as Apistogramma, Cockatoo dwarf cichlid
Intermediate
The most forgiving Apisto: a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid with spectacular males.
In short: A cockatoo apistogramma needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) and pH 5.5–7.5. It is territorial, kept in pairs or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 8 cm (3.1 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Carnivore-leaning omnivore — frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, micro pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Ucayali basin, Peru
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Leaf-litter creeks and floodplain pools
- Natural conditions
- Soft, acidic, warm, slow water with dense cover.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- PencilfishCardinal tetraCorydoras
- Avoid
- Other bottom-dwelling cichlidsShrimpKribensis
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males are bigger with spiky dorsal rays; females turn bright yellow when brooding.
- Notes
- Harem spawner in caves; the female defends fry and drives the male off.
- Common ailments
- Bacterial infectionsAggression in cramped tanks
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