Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs.

Approximate purchase size: 4-5 cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible. Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible. Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
We would class these as an easy level of care.

How large can they grow?
Male: 7.5 cm; Female: 5 cm

Where in the world are they from?
This species is widespread throughout the upper Amazon basin from the rÔøΩos Ucayali and Amazonas in Peru to the SolimÔøΩes in western Brazil.

What is the ideal number to keep together?
This dwarf cichlid species can be kept alone, in pairs, or in groups of one male with 5 - 6 females. More than one male may be kept if the aquarium is large enough.

What water conditions do they require?
Temperature ranges of 22-29° Celsius and will accept 4.0 – 6.0 pH (but not very fussy).

What should you feed them?
A carnivorous species; will feed on live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm.

How compatible are they with other fish?
Captive-raised Cockatoo cichlids are suitable in a general community aquarium.

Can they be bred in captivity?
These cichlids are substrate spawners – they will lay its eggs in small spaces among the tank dÔøΩcor. The female is responsible for post-spawning care of eggs and fry and in smaller aquaria the male may need to be removed as she may become hyper-aggressive.