Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Also known as: Apisto, Cockatoo cichlid, Apistogramma cacatuoides
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 5-8 cm (2-3.1 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 75 litres (20 gallons)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Swimming level: bottom-and-middle
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6–7.5
- Hardness (GH): 36–179 ppm (2–10 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
The most popular and forgiving of the Apistogramma dwarf cichlids, and the usual recommendation for a first apisto. Unlike most of the genus, which demand soft, acidic blackwater, the cockatoo cichlid is a hardy aquarium-strain fish that tolerates a broad range of conditions, which is why it suits a normal community far better than its wild relatives. Males are larger and spectacular, with a raised, spiky dorsal fin and red-and-black trim on the tail; selectively bred orange strains (sold as 'super red' and 'triple red') are widely available. They spawn in caves, after which the female turns bright yellow and becomes a ferocious defender of the brood. A characterful, manageable introduction to South American dwarf cichlids, happiest with live or frozen food. Although hardier than most apistos, it still spawns best in soft water with a low carbonate hardness (KH); high KH can lower egg fertility even when the adults seem fine.
Tankmates
A bottom-dwelling micropredator best kept as a single male or, better, a harem of one male with two or more females, which spreads his attention so no single female is harassed. Pair them with small, peaceful, upper-water dither fish (small tetras and rasboras) that occupy the space the apisto ignores; pygmy corydoras and otocinclus make good lower-level companions. Females guarding fry become startlingly aggressive for their size and will drive off much larger fish. They will hunt dwarf shrimp. Keep away from other dwarf cichlids (kribs and rams) unless the tank is large and well broken up.
Compatible with
- Cardinal Tetra
- Neon Tetra
- Ember Tetra
- Rummynose Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Kribensis
- German Blue Ram
- Cherry Shrimp
- Fin Nippers
Common Problems
- aggression from females guarding fry
- reluctance to take dry food (prefers live or frozen)
- sensitivity to nitrate and poor water quality
- male territoriality in bare or undersized tanks
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20