Apistogramma cacatuoides "double red", male
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans
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Common name: | Cockatoo / Crested dwarf cichlid |
Scientific name: | Apistogramma cacatuoides |
Synonyms: | (none) |
Size: | Up to 3" (7.5cm), female smaller. |
Origin: | South America, Amazon basin |
Tank setup: | Planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves. |
Compatibility: | More peaceful than larger cichlids, but they will become territorial when spawning. They can be kept in a general community
tank setup, but allow space for territories if other dwarf cichlids are included. |
Temperature: | 24-28oC (75-82oF) |
Water chemistry: | Soft and acidic, pH 5.5 - 6.8 preferred, though this species is more tolerant of slightly alkaline water than many other Apistogramma. |
Feeding: | Carnivorous: will usually take dry foods, but live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae will be preferred. |
Sexing: | Males are larger and have dramatically elongated rays in the dorsal fin, giving rise to the common name. |
Breeding: | Soft and acidic water of excellent quality required.
Can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a very small entrance.
The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory. Fry are normally free-swimming in about a week. |
Comments: |
This is one of the most popular and commonly available of the Apistogramma species, and
several colour forms are available, such as the popular "Super Red" and "Double Red" varieties. |