Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides

Also known as: Apisto Cacatuoides

A characterful dwarf cichlid; one male keeps a harem of females over the substrate.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–82°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

2–12 dGH

Max size

3.5 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Harem

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

3-5 years

Breeding

Cave-spawner

Suitability

Common

Origin

Western Amazon

Cockatoo apistos are best kept as one male with several females, each holding a small cave territory. Males flare spectacular spiky dorsal fins in red, orange or yellow strains.