Apistogramma cacatuoides 1.5″ WILD CAUGHT

Apistogramma Cacatuoides, also known as the Cockatoo Cichlid, is a stunning and popular species of dwarf cichlid from South America. Native to the Amazon Basin, this fish is favored by aquarists for its beautiful coloration, peaceful nature, and manageable size. It’s an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced hobbyists who want to keep cichlids in a community tank. The Apistogramma cacatuoides is relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of conditions if properly cared for.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 20 gallons is suitable for a pair of Apistogramma Cacatuoides. However, for a small group or if keeping multiple males, a 30-gallon tank is recommended to provide enough space for territorial behavior and reduce aggression.
  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to ensure a peaceful environment.
• Tank Setup:
  • Use soft, sandy substrate to mimic the natural environment of the species, as they enjoy sifting through the sand. Avoid sharp substrates that could damage their delicate barbels.
  • Incorporate rocks, driftwood, and plants to create a natural-looking environment. The fish will use these features to establish territories and hide when necessary.
  • A few floating plants or dense vegetation can help provide additional cover and reduce stress.
  • Apistogramma Cacatuoides prefers a dimly lit tank, which can be achieved using floating plants or rocks to block intense light.
• Lighting:
  • Moderate lighting is ideal, as these fish come from the dimly lit waters of the Amazon. Too much light can cause stress, so provide shaded areas or floating plants to give them the option of retreating.
• Water Flow:
  • A gentle to moderate water flow is best for these fish. In the wild, they are found in slow-moving waters with little current, so a calm tank is preferred.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% to maintain good water quality. Consistent water changes are essential to keeping these sensitive fish healthy.

Diet

Apistogramma Cacatuoides is an omnivorous species and will accept a wide variety of foods:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or flakes designed for cichlids or small fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Offer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms.
• Vegetables:
  • Blanched zucchini, spinach, or peas can be offered as a supplement to their diet.
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed Apistogramma Cacatuoides 2–3 times per day, providing small amounts of food that can be consumed within a few minutes. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Note: While Apistogramma Cacatuoides will happily graze on algae, it is important to provide a varied diet to maintain good health and bright coloration.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Apistogramma Cacatuoides is generally peaceful, but males can be territorial, particularly during the breeding season. They may exhibit aggressive behavior toward other males, so it’s best to keep only one male with several females to reduce aggression.
  • Outside of the breeding season, they are calm and peaceful and do well in community tanks.
• Tankmates:
  • Apistogramma Cacatuoides is best kept with peaceful species such as small tetras, rasboras, other dwarf cichlids, and peaceful catfish.
  • Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may bully or stress them.
  • These cichlids are sensitive to aggressive tankmates, so ensure plenty of hiding places and territories to reduce conflict.
  • Apistogramma Cacatuoides is also known to coexist well with other small cichlids of the same genus, provided the tank is spacious and well-planted.
• Social Behavior:
  • In the wild, these fish are often found in small groups, with males defending their territories. In the aquarium, a ratio of one male to multiple females helps keep the peace and provides opportunities for natural breeding behavior.
  • They are generally peaceful toward other species but can show some aggression towards other males, especially during mating seasons.

Breeding

Breeding Apistogramma Cacatuoides is relatively easy in the aquarium:

1. Breeding Setup:
   • A 20-gallon tank with soft, slightly acidic water is ideal. Provide caves or flat rocks for spawning, as the female will lay eggs in these secluded areas.
   • A pair or a harem (one male and several females) is recommended to ensure successful breeding. Ensure there is enough space to minimize territorial aggression.
2. Spawning Behavior:
   • The female will lay her eggs in a cave or on a flat surface. The male will fertilize the eggs, and the female will guard the nest.
   • The female is typically very protective of her eggs and fry, and the male will stay nearby but not interfere too much.
3. Egg Care:
   • The eggs will hatch in 3–5 days, and the fry will remain in the nest for a few more days before becoming free-swimming.
4. Fry Care:
   • Once free-swimming, the fry can be fed baby brine shrimp, liquid fry food, or finely crushed flakes.
   • The parents may protect the fry for several weeks. You can remove the parents if necessary to prevent them from eating the young, although many aquarists leave the parents with the fry until they are older.

Common Challenges

1. Water Quality:
   • Apistogramma Cacatuoides are sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes and stable water parameters are crucial to keep them healthy.
2. Territorial Aggression:
   • Males can be territorial, especially when breeding. Providing enough space and hiding spots for all fish is essential to prevent stress and aggression.
3. Breeding Difficulties:
   • If breeding, the male and female may not always cooperate. Having a harem (multiple females) can help reduce stress on the female and encourage breeding.
4. Overfeeding:
   • Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and excess waste in the tank. Feed small amounts several times a day, ensuring that all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Interesting Facts

• The Apistogramma Cacatuoides is known for the “cockatoo” shape of the male’s dorsal fin, which has long extensions that resemble a cockatoo’s crest.
• These fish are often referred to as “cockatoo cichlids” due to this striking feature.
• Apistogramma Cacatuoides is a relatively hardy species and is suitable for beginners looking to keep dwarf cichlids in a community tank.
• Unlike many cichlids, Apistogramma Cacatuoides does not exhibit aggressive behavior unless breeding.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 20 gallons; 30+ gallons for a group
Water Parameters	pH 6.0–7.5, 74–82°F, soft water
Diet	Omnivorous: sinking pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables
Temperament	Peaceful, but territorial during breeding
Lifespan	3–5 years

Apistogramma Cacatuoides is a beautiful and peaceful dwarf cichlid that thrives in well-planted, peaceful community tanks with stable water conditions. By providing a suitable environment, a varied diet, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy their stunning colors and fascinating behavior for many years.