Fish
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Origin: South America: Amazon basin in Peru and western Brazil. Inhabits slow-moving and still waters including flooded forests, tributaries, swamps, and oxbow lakes with soft, slightly acidic water rich in organic detritus.
Also known as: Cockatoo Cichlid, Kakadu Cichlid, Crested Dwarf Cichlid
Fact sheet
- Size
- 9 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–12 °dH
- Hardness KH
- 0–5 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Varieties
Overview
Apistogramma cacatuoides is one of the most colorful, popular, and well-documented dwarf cichlids in the aquarium hobby. Its common name comes from the male's distinctive elongated dorsal fin rays that form a crest resembling a cockatoo's plume. Males reach 7–8 cm; females 4–5 cm. Compared to many other Apistogramma species, the cockatoo dwarf cichlid is relatively undemanding and is often recommended as a starting point for hobbyists new to dwarf cichlids. The species is harem-forming: one male defends a territory containing several females. In its natural range it inhabits whitewater environments with somewhat higher pH than most other Apistogramma, making it more tolerant of moderately hard and near-neutral water in the aquarium.
Appearance
The male has an elongate body with a tall dorsal fin whose first few rays are markedly extended, forming the cockatoo crest. Coloration is vivid: a blue body adorned with red-orange to red spots on the caudal fin and yellow or orange horizontal stripes along the flank. Females are smaller, yellow with dark markings, and adopt a brilliant yellow body with black fins in breeding condition. The male's rounded caudal fin bears characteristic red ocelli (eye spots) ringed with dark edges.
Care
A 60–80 liter tank suits a pair; a harem of one male with 2–3 females needs 120 liters or more. Water temperature 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft to medium hardness. The cockatoo dwarf cichlid is somewhat less demanding about soft water than many other Apistogramma species. Efficient filtration without strong current and regular 25–30% water changes every 7–10 days are required. A fine sand substrate is ideal; decorate with driftwood, ceramic caves, coconut shells, ketapang leaves, and dense plantings.
Feeding
The cockatoo dwarf cichlid is carnivorous, specializing in small crustaceans and invertebrates. Live or frozen foods — brine shrimp, bloodworm, daphnia, nauplii — should form a key part of the diet. High-quality micro-pellets and flakes formulated for dwarf cichlids are readily accepted and can form the dietary base if supplemented regularly with live/frozen items. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A relatively peaceful cichlid that coexists well with small tetras, Corydoras, otocinclus, rasboras, and other calm community species. During breeding the female becomes an aggressive guardian of her spawn and will attack intruders that enter the territory. Avoid housing multiple males of the same species without ample space. Compatibility with ornamental shrimp is limited — small shrimp may be eaten.
Breeding
A cave spawner: the female deposits 50–100 eggs on the ceiling of a secluded cavity. Incubation takes 2–3 days; fry become free-swimming after another 5–7 days. The female guards the brood intensely while the male defends the broader territory. Unlike some Apistogramma, the male is often tolerated near the spawn and generally does not eat the eggs. Feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii, micro-worms, and specialized fry foods. With regular water changes the female may spawn every 3–4 weeks.
Fun facts
The cockatoo dwarf cichlid is one of the few Apistogramma species tolerant of pH up to 7.5, making it suitable even for slightly alkaline soft tap water. The 'cockatoo' name is earned by the male's elongated dorsal fin rays that closely mimic the bird's crest. In the wild, females actively lead the choice of spawning site, often guiding the male toward a suitable cave.