

The suggested temperature range is 18 – 22☌, pH of 6.5 – 7.5, and hardness of 1 – 12 dH, with a light level of 2 – 3 8-watts per gallon. This species has a reputation for being slightly more sensitive to environmental changes than other Apistogrammas, but if your tank parameters are stable, it will adapt well. The Cockatoo cichlid is not a fussy fish and is suitable for both freshwater and brackish water. Keep it in a tank of at least 20 gallons, or even better, a species-only 10 – 15 gallon aquarium. This fish prefers smaller tanks with dense tank mates. They can grow to a maximum size of 8 cm (3.1 inches) in length. They can be found living in muddy or sandy substrates and are not aggressive towards other fish. HabitatĪpistogramma cacatuoides are found in standing waters like ponds and large rivers. In their natural habitat, males compete with one another for territory, which has given rise to a form that’s larger than most other male apistogrammas but less aggressive in defending territory thus, these can be kept together without problems. Males have been bred in several color varieties for aquariums, including brownish-orange ones marked with horizontal stripes.

Male cockatoo cichlids grow to about 3.9 inches long and 1 inch wide females are smaller and more slender. Species profileĪ cockatoo cichlid is a species of freshwater fish, and a medium-sized member of its genus, it belongs to a group known as dwarf cichlids. This fish is also sometimes referred to as the Yellow Lined Cichlid, or Yellow Banded Cichlid. They require temperatures ranging from 77 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels ranging from 6.5 – 7.5 for optimal health care.īold and colorful, the Cockatoo Cichlid (apistogramma cacatuoides) boasts an impressive set of fins that are bold in color and long in shape. Due to their small size, they should only be kept with larger tank mates, unless they are introduced when very young. Their life expectancy is around five years if kept in ideal conditions. They measure around 3 cm when at maturity and 8 cm as an adult. It reaches maturity at 3 to 4 months, producing between twenty and thirty eggs per spawn. This species can be found in shallow waters and feeds on crustaceans and insects. In English, it is called Cockatoo cichlid or Cockatoo dwarf cichlid. The Apistogramma cacatuoides is a species of fish endemic to Brazil. They usually grow to be between 2 and 4 inches long, which makes them suitable for any medium-sized tank. Origin and descriptionĪpistogramma cacatuoides are small freshwater fishes native to South America and Mexico they’re popular in many aquariums because of their vibrant colors and behaviors. However, there are some specific requirements that should be met before you take your cockatoo home so that it can thrive in its new environment, including a large tank size and plenty of hiding spots, both of which you’ll learn about in this article. The Cockatoo Cichlid (apistogramma cacatuoides) is one of the most popular species of fish in the world, with its bright colors and easy-going attitude, making it the perfect addition to any tank. If you’re considering adding an ‘apisto’ to your tank, it can be helpful to understand its natural history and needs first. It’s a popular fish for hobbyists, who value its bright colors and hardiness despite its rather small size. They have 14 different recognized subspecies, three of which are found in their native range and one in captivity. It was first discovered in 1907 by Wilhelm Kner, who named it Apistogramma cacatuoides after its appearance, which resembles a cockatoo’s crest What are Cockatoo Cichlids?Īpistogramma cacatuoides is a species of freshwater fish from South America. These cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning that the female will incubate her eggs in her mouth until they hatch.Īpistogramma cacatuoides (Cockatoo Cichlid) belongs to the Cichlidae family of fish and can be found in the South American countries of Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Columbia. This cichlid’s lifespan in captivity is about 10 years and males can reach up to 3 inches in length (8 cm). Last updated on September 18th, 2022 at 06:41 amĪpistogramma cacatuoides, commonly known as the Cockatoo Cichlid, is a colorful fish from Central and Southern America.
