Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 72–84°F (22–29°C)
- pH
- 6–8
- GH
- 0–15 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–29 °C, pH 6–8, GH 0–15 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Provide small live/frozen invertebrate foods regularly; some individuals accept appropriately sized sinking pellets.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Bolivia, Brazil.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid get?
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).
What aquarium size does Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid need?
Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Is Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid?
Keep it between 22 to 29 °C.
