Cockatoo Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Cockatoo Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 8 cm. It needs at least 80 litres and 3 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Température de l’eau
22 - 29 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 8
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
8 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 3
GH
2 - 15 dGH
KH
1 - 7 dKH
TDS
40 - 295 ppm
Conductivité
63 - 461 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Apistogramma cacatuoides; the verified classification records genus Apistogramma, family Cichlidae, subfamily Geophaginae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Cockatoo Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The minimum reference is 3 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Cockatoo Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 80 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 3 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–29 °C, pH 6–8. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 3 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origine et répartition géographiques
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origine
Amazonie, Orénoque et Guyanes
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Territorial
- Cockatoo Cichlid has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- This species is primarily carnivorous and requires a high-quality, varied diet to display its best colors and remain healthy. They readily accept small slow-sinking pellets, high-grade flakes, and baby brine shrimp. For optimal conditioning, their diet should be regularly supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia. Providing a varied menu is crucial for replicating their natural foraging habits in the wild.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 8 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- Cockatoo Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The reference minimum is 3 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Apistogramma cacatuoides once or twice daily with portion sizes they can fully consume within two to three minutes. Feeding them in smaller, controlled amounts helps prevent uneaten food from decaying on the substrate and ruining water quality. If you are preparing them for breeding, offering multiple small feedings of live foods throughout the day is highly effective. Be careful not to overfeed, as cichlids are prone to digestive issues when given excessive amounts.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- Apistogramma cacatuoides has a relatively low biological waste footprint due to its small dwarf cichlid size. However, they are highly sensitive to organic waste, nitrates, and sudden shifts in water quality. Therefore, a high-quality filtration system combined with weekly water changes is essential to keep them healthy. A mature, cycled tank with stable biological parameters is required for their long-term well-being.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Apistogramma cacatuoides originates from slow-moving blackwater streams and tributaries, meaning they strongly prefer weak to moderate water currents. Strong, turbulent water flow can stress these small fish and exhaust them as they struggle to swim near the bottom. The aquarium filtration should be baffled or directed to ensure there are plenty of calm, quiet zones in the tank. Using plants, roots, and driftwood is an excellent way to create natural barriers that break up the flow.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- The Cockatoo Cichlid is generally considered to have a moderate jump risk, especially when startled by sudden lights, shadows, or aggressive chases. Because they can jump out of open aquariums in moments of panic, a secure, tight-fitting lid is highly recommended. Incorporating floating plants and dense vegetation helps block jumping paths and makes the fish feel much more secure. Providing ample hiding spots will also discourage them from darting upwards when they feel threatened.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Cockatoo Cichlid is a rewarding experience and is relatively straightforward compared to other Apistogramma species. They are cave spawners, so providing terracotta pots, coconut shells, or rock caves is essential to encourage them to breed. The female will lay her eggs on the ceiling of the cave and take primary responsibility for guarding them and the subsequent fry. During this time, the male will actively defend the outer territory, though he should be monitored to ensure he does not become overly aggressive toward the female.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 3 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- Apistogramma cacatuoides is primarily a bottom-dwelling species that spends most of its time exploring the lower layers and middle zone of the water column. They show a strong preference for swimming near the substrate, weaving through leaf litter, caves, and low-growing live plants. When searching for food or defending territories, they will actively patrol the bottom area of the aquarium. Consequently, tank footprint and floor surface area are far more important than vertical height when designing their habitat.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Faible (4,5 - 14 ans)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.0182, b = 2.99
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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