Common Names: Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Crested Dwarf Cichlid
Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 3 – 4 inches
Life expectancy: 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 – 80°F
pH Range: 6.0 – 7.8
Water hardness: dH 5-18
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Amazon River
Aquarium Setup:
To mimic their natural habitat, of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid use very small gravel or dark sand for the substrate. Use lots of rocks to make as many caves and crevices as you can so they can have their own territories and have hiding places.
Driftwood is another well liked addition to the tank. Small flower pots can be over turned to provide them with more territories. These small cichlids are very plant friendly, but be sure to leave them plenty of open swimming space.
Diet:
A diet consisting of live foods will help Cockatoo’s to develop their vibrant colors. They can be fed flakes and pellets, but their diets should offer variety. Several small feedings each day is better than one large feeding for this species.
Bloodworms, insect larvae, earth worms and even beef heart that is chopped into small pieces make great additions to their feedings. They will accept many types of frozen or dried foods as well.
Tank Mates/Community:
Cockatoo’s can be kept within community aquariums and do well with other dwarf Cichlid’s. However, they may become slightly aggressive with other dwarfs is there isn’t enough room in the tank for them to have their own territory.
The community can include tetras, small catfish, Dwarf Gourami, Kuhli Loach and Dwarf Rainbows. Although, during spawning time Cockatoo’s do become a little aggressive and you will need to keep a check on any tank mates.
This dwarf beauty should be kept in small groups, for best success in breeding there should be several females for each male. They can be kept with tetras.
Behavior:
This species is often a little shy, but the more hiding places you provide them the more out going they’ll become. Hiding places give them a sense of security and allow them to feel safe enough to roam the tank more freely!
Color:
Cockatoo Cichlids are farm bred which results in several variations of colors in this species. While their bodies are normally a creamy white, golden brown or silvery color with a long dark stripe that goes from their eye all the way to their tails.
Their long, feathery fins can range from several shades of reds to oranges and yellows. They can be found with mottled fins of various colors mixed together almost resembling the design of a butterflies wings!
Breeding:
Cockatoos are one of the harder Cichlid’s to breed. Cockatoo eggs are very prone to getting fungus, but they’re also very sensitive to the treatments for fungus!
The female will lay her eggs inside caves or other homes that you provide for them. While the male patrols their territory, the female will diligently guard her eggs.
In about four days the fry will hatch and will need to be fed with very small foods such as infusoira. They are free swimming within another six days and are then moved to an open pit.
Once they’ve been moved small brine shrimp can be added to their diet. If the male has spawned with several female, many of the fry will end up mixed together. But, the female will adopt them as if they were own.
Interesting Notes:
Cockatoo’s do a little courting dance at spawning time that is very interesting to watch! The female will curve her body to attract the males attention, the male will flash his fins at her in his little dance!
If more than one female is brooding at the same time, some females will kidnap other fishes fry and add them to her school of babies! In species tanks the females will also herd the fry around the tank like cattle!
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