Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Named for the male's spectacular dorsal fin spikes that resemble a cockatoo's crest. Males are brilliantly coloured with red-orange fins and iridescent body. One of the hardiest and most beginner-friendly Apistogramma species.
Buy Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid →Quick Facts
Water Parameters
Natural Habitat
Shallow forest streams and leaf-littered pools in the Amazon basin. Found near caves and root tangles.
Amazon Basin
Peru, Brazil, Colombia
Feeding
Omnivorous but prefers meaty foods — frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, quality pellets.
Compatible Tank Mates
Good Matches
Avoid
Breeding
Cave spawner. Female lays eggs in a cave or coconut shell and guards them fiercely, turning bright yellow. Excellent parental care.
Care Tips
Provide caves — coconut shells, small pots, or driftwood caves
One male to 2-3 females works best
Leaf litter on substrate mimics natural habitat
Females turn bright yellow when guarding eggs
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