Piranha-Info.com© :: Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Other Names:
Crested Dwarf Cichlid, Yellow Dwarf Cichlid.

Scientific Name:
Apistogramma cacatuoides (Hoedeman, 1951)

Range:
South America: Peruvian Amazon.

Maximum size:
Males 7,5cm. (3"), females 5cm. (2").

Aquarium:
A pair can be housed in an aquarium that measures 24" (60cm.) in length. But given the fact that Apistogramma males naturally tend to establish harems, an aquarium of 32" (80cm.) in length is better suited: this can provide a single male and a small harem of 1-3 females of these colorful and inquisitive Cichlids enough space to thrive and even reproduce. A densely planted tank with dimmed lights is preferred, so the little fish can hide and feel secure, especially when they share their tank with larger or more active fish. This species does not appreciate very fast currents, so if you have installed a large filter on the tank it is recommended to run it with reduced performance, or to provide a number of area's that are less exposed to the flow of water.
Optimal conditions are soft, slightly acidic water, which can be achieved by filtering over peat, or by the use of Black Water Extract. They will do well in harder, more alkaline water as well, but breeding is questionable under such conditions.

Temperature:

15°C

23-30°C

35°C

pH:

5.0

5.5-8.0

9.0

	Ideal conditions
	Suitable conditions
	Unsuitable conditions

Diet:
The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid accepts a wide range of prepared foods like flakes, cichlid sticks and small granules, as well as frozen, freeze-dried or live foods such as artemia, spirulina, brine shrimp, blood worms, mosquito larvae etc. Live foods are a favorite source of food of this small Cichlid, and will help to bring out the best colors.
It is important to realise that many Dwarf Cichlid-species are not true surface feeders. Often they will not, or only very reluctantly move towards the top of the tank during feeding time. This means that there is a certain risk of them being outcompeted by other, more assertive fish that take their food in all levels of the aquarium (especially during the acclimatisation period). For this reason, it is recommended to regularly feed sinking food items such as granules. Offering food in several places in the aquarium may also be a useful approach.

Reproduction:
Due to its hardy and undemanding nature, the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is an ideal species for aspiring breeders to gain experience. It requires a tank with clean water, preferably soft and slightly acidic and a number of suitable spawning sites such as coconuts, flower pots or irregularly shaped pieces of drift wood with small crevices. Once a pair has bonded, they will start to show breeding colors: females become bright yellow, while the male will become more colorful than usual. When ready to reproduce, they will claim a small territory surrounding a suitable place to lay the eggs, and vigorously defend it against any intruders. Once the eggs have been deposited and fertilized, the female will guard the nest, keep the eggs clean, remove unfertilized and dead eggs, and fan the eggs to provide a steady flow of fresh water and oxygen. In the meantime, the male will stay nearby to defend the territory.
In early November 2006 I was surprised to see that my pair has spawned for the first time, and although the eggs turned out to be infertile, it may be a sign of things to come. A few pictures of this first attempt to reproduce can be seen here. As soon as my pair manages to actually hatch a batch of eggs, I will add more information based on my personal experiences and observations.

Temperament:
A somewhat territorial and aggressive community fish (although considered mild for Cichlid standards), especially when the fish are reproducing. But despite that still suitable for a community tank with carefully chosen tank mates (not too small or shy).
Keeping more females than males is adviced, to keep agression to a minimum: ideally this species is kept in a small group of 2-3 specimen, consisting of one male and 2-3 females. For a community with more than one male, an aquarium with a footprint of at least 100x40cm. (40x16") is strongly recommended.