Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: South America
The Cockatoo Apisto is an accessible dwarf cichlid with spectacular spiky dorsal fins on males. Less demanding than rams.
Min Tank
20 gal
Max Size
3.5"
Temperature
72-82°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
2-12 dGH
semi-aggressiveintermediateomnivore
Care Tips
- • Males have striking dorsal fin spikes
- • Keep 1 male to 2-3 females
- • Provide caves for spawning
- • More forgiving than rams
- • Territorial around cave only
Feeding: Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, pellets. Prefers meaty foods.
Compatibility Notes: Territorial around caves. Keep one male with 2-3 females. Males have spectacular dorsal fins.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 2–12
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 2/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- slow
Territorial around caves. Keep one male with 2-3 females. Males have spectacular dorsal fins.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- cave spawner
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 5 years
Ideal For
20 gallonplanted tankcenterpiece fish
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
73-81°FpH 4.5-6.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Similar Species
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
75-82°FpH 5.5-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressive4"
Apistogramma Agassizii
Apistogramma agassizii
72-82°FpH 6-720+ gal
semi-aggressive3.5"
Apistogramma Borellii
Apistogramma borellii
72-79°FpH 6-7.510+ gal
semi-aggressive3"
Cockatoo Cichlid Double Red
Apistogramma cacatuoides double red
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressive3.5"