Can I keep multiple male Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids together?

It is not recommended unless you have an exceptionally large aquarium (over 200 litres) with heavily broken lines of sight. Males are highly territorial and will fight, often to the death, in confined spaces.

Why is my female Apistogramma turning bright yellow?

A bright, vivid yellow colouration in females is a clear indicator that she is in breeding condition or actively guarding eggs and fry. During this phase, she will become highly aggressive towards any fish that approaches her cave.

Do they need a heavily planted tank?

While they do not strictly require live plants, dense planting provides essential broken sightlines and hiding spaces. This closely mimics their natural habitat, significantly reduces stress, and promotes more natural, confident behaviours.

Are they safe to keep with shrimp?

Adult larger shrimp (like Amano Shrimp) are generally safe, but Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids are natural micro-predators. They will eagerly hunt down and consume baby shrimp, and adult Cherry Shrimp may also be targeted by large males.

What is the best substrate for Apistogramma?

Fine, soft sand is the ideal substrate. In the wild, they are geophagine (earth-eating) to a small degree, sifting through the substrate for tiny food particles. Coarse or sharp gravel can damage their gills and mouths during this natural foraging behaviour.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides

The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a vibrant, personality-rich South American fish prized for its striking crest-like dorsal fin and fascinating harem-based social behaviour.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.8
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 8 cm
60L for a pair or trio: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: gentle
Preferred setup: Sandy substrate, ample hiding places (caves, driftwood, terracotta pots), dense planting and leaf litter.

About the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides is arguably the most popular and adaptable dwarf cichlid in the aquarium trade. Named for the male's flamboyant, extended dorsal rays that resemble a cockatoo's crest, these fish bring dramatic flair and endless character to smaller aquariums. Thanks to extensive captive breeding, they are available in a variety of spectacular colour forms—such as 'Double Red', 'Triple Red', and 'Orange Flash'—making them magnificent centrepiece fish for beautifully aquascaped tanks.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid comes from

Native range

Amazon River Basin, Ucayali River Basin, Solimões River Basin

Countries / regions

Peru, Brazil, Colombia

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving rainforest streams, tributaries, and backwaters with dense leaf litter, submerged roots, and overhanging vegetation.

Most specimens available in the hobby today are captive-bred.

Similar species

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
Borell's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
Macmaster's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma macmasteri

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Peaceful, mid-to-top dwelling dither fish that tolerate similar water conditions and encourage the cichlids to feel secure.
Great
Pencilfish
Nannostomus spp.
Surface-dwelling shoalers with small mouths that will not predate on cichlid fry and stay well clear of their bottom-level territory.
Great
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.
Peaceful algae grazers that generally avoid the bottom substrate, reducing territorial conflicts.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
As bottom-dwellers, they do not understand cichlid territorial boundaries and may be relentlessly attacked during spawning.
Compatible with caution
Dwarf Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
While some quick adults may survive in heavily planted tanks, baby shrimp will be actively hunted and eaten by these micro-predators.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, aggressive cichlids that will easily view the dwarf cichlids as food.
Not recommended
Other Male Apistogramma
Apistogramma spp.
Highly territorial towards conspecifics; males will fight relentlessly in confined spaces.
Not recommended

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