Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–19 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
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 / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–27 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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.

Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–86°F (23–30°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

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 / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 27 °C.