Common Name: Apisto, Cockatoo, Dwarf Cichlid
Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
This fish is undoubtedly the most kept of all 'Apistos'. Aquarium strains like the 'Triple Red' and 'Orange Flash' have been developed by hobbyists and offer amazing colors. This fish can also thrive in slightly hard water. Double Red Cacatuoides has red on the dorsal and caudal fin; Triple Red Cacatuoides has red on the dorsal, caudal, and anal fin. I keep my guys in a heavily planted tank with plenty of places for them to hide, especially under the leaves of the tiger lotus.
Temperature |
pH Range |
Hardness (dH) |
Max. Size |
Min. Tank Size |
Swim Area |
76F - 80F | 7.2 | 9-12 dH | 4 inches | 10 gallons | Bottom |
Origin:
South America
Life Span:1 year in nature, 2-3 years in captivity
Diet:Carnivore
Additional Diet Information:Mainly varied live food, but will take frozen brine shrimp and flakes.
Gender Difference:Dimorphic
The males are larger and more colorful than the females
Breeding:Cave Spawner
A male can attend to many females. The females each raise their offspring in their own territory. The male moves around the tank protecting all the females and fry.
Temperament/Social Behavior:- Aggressive
- Reclusive/Solitary
- Territorial
- Aggressive when spawning
Easily Obtained