For this reason some breeders and hobbyists prefer the sterility of ceramic and PVC. The concern with mimicking natural habitat for breeding is that females are much smaller than males and may lay eggs in smaller crevices that males cannot access. They are almost like miniature earth eaters and for enrichment, I would include a sinking pellet into their feeding routine, as they’ll sometimes attempt to bury their entire head in the substrate looking for food.īreeding is possible in the home, Cockatoo cichlids breed in safe caves, so you’ll need to mimic this with rock or ceramic. One of the few intolerances these fish have is high levels of dissolved organics, as such, you’ll want to have a disciplined frequent water change regimen.Īs far as diet goes, they are pretty easy going accepting most prepared fare, including dry and frozen. This not only includes pH, alkalinity, and hardness but also includes temperature, so long as the room doesn’t drop below 60 Fahrenheit or exceed 82 Fahrenheit. As mentioned above the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is adaptable to varying degrees of water quality. If the substrate isn’t geared toward a planted aquarium, most will due, even non-inert sand that effects pH. To further this thought, it’s also recommended you include hiding spaces that can be created out of driftwood, rocks and even ceramic such as flowerpots. tank has enough surface area to split up territories among various individuals. In the home aquarium, they make wonderful additions to a planted Amazonian biotope. Due to the demand for this species, they are cultures in large quantities. Due to their natural habitats having large fluctuations in pH, hardness, and alkalinity levels. The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid and its co-genitors have been a staple in the aquarium hobby for over six decades, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Hoedeman in 1951 this is a new world cichlid coming from South America, specifically Brazil, Peru, and Columbia. This diminutive fish grows no larger than 3 to 3.5 inches. The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides), gets its name from its dorsal fins, which have a cockatoo like crest and are brilliantly colored. When one thinks of cichlids, many large rough and tumble aggressive fish come to mind for many, but you’d be amiss not to profile those of a smaller scale. Gold Mixteco - Thorichthys sp.Cockatoos that don’t speak: Apistogramma cacatuoides. Copyright Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid) pair. Copyright Apistogramma cacatuoides - Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid male.

Picture of Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid female - Apistogramma cacatuoides. Each spawning only results in a smaller number of eggs. Best feed live and frozen food.īreeding: Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid) spawns in a cave or on a root. Keep one male with 3-4 females.įeeding: Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid) accepts flake food but should not be kept on flake food alone. The aquarium should offer a lot of caves and hiding places among roots and rocks. Water parameters: Temperature 23-26☌ / 73-79☏ pH 6.0 – 8.0Īquarium setup: Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid) Is best kept in a densly planted aquarium with open areas. Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid - Apistogramma cacatuoides Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid - Apistogramma cacatuoidesĬockatoo Dwarf Cichlid - Apistogramma cacatuoidesĬompany: Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid) should only be kept with other small peacefull fishes.