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Rob's Aquatics Fish Shop

APISTOGRAMMA CACATUOIDES

APISTOGRAMMA CACATUOIDES

Regular price $5.00
Regular price Sale price $5.00
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🧡 Apistogramma Cacatuoides – The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid with Big Personality and Bold Color

The Apistogramma cacatuoides, commonly known as the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, is a vibrant, intelligent, and peaceful South American dwarf cichlid perfect for planted aquariums and community tanks. Recognized by its fiery orange and red fin extensions, bold body coloration, and expressive behavior, this fish is ideal for aquarists looking to add personality and color in a smaller package.

Unlike larger cichlids, Apistos are gentle, social, and great in pairs or harems, especially when provided with plants, driftwood, and caves to establish territory. Males develop flamboyant dorsal fins and strong coloration, while females are more compact with golden hues—particularly striking when breeding.


🐟 Species Profile:

  • Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides

  • Common Names: Cockatoo Cichlid, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Apisto Cacatuoides

  • Adult Size: 2.5–3.5 inches

  • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-territorial (especially during breeding)

  • Tank Size: 20+ gallons (larger for harems or communities)

  • Water Parameters: 74–82°F | pH 6.0–7.5 | Soft to slightly acidic water preferred

  • Diet: Omnivore – accepts flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and live foods


🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Apistogramma cacatuoides thrive in:

  • Heavily planted tanks with driftwood, caves, and soft substrate

  • Low to moderate flow with stable water conditions

  • Peaceful tankmates that won’t outcompete them at feeding time

Great tankmates include:

  • Tetras (rummy nose, neon, ember)

  • Corydoras

  • Otocinclus

  • Hatchetfish

  • Other peaceful dwarf cichlids (with space and structure)

Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers or aggressive bottom-dwellers

  • High-stress or unstable tanks (Apistos thrive in well-balanced environments)

Behavior:

  • 🧠 Intelligent and social—will interact with their environment and their keepers

  • 🎨 Stunning coloration intensifies with age, diet, and breeding behavior

  • 🧡 Often form strong pair bonds and show fascinating parental care


🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Apistogramma cacatuoides is:

  • Color-morphed and hand-selected for vibrant fin display

  • Conditioned to accept high-quality prepared and frozen foods

  • Health screened and shipped with our Live Arrival Guarantee

  • ✅ A perfect choice for nano tanks, community aquascapes, or advanced breeding setups


📦 These dwarf cichlids bring big personality to small tanks. Add a pair or group of Apistogramma cacatuoides to your display and enjoy one of the most charming species in the aquarium hobby—only at RobsAquatics.com.

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