Information on the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is also known as the Crested Dwarf Cichlid. This freshwater fish originated in the Amazon River, although it's also been found in the Yavari River, which borders Brazil and Peru. Popular with the home aquarist because of its hardiness, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids are farm bred today, which has led to an even more colorful species.

  1. Description

    • Growing up to 3.5 inches long, males are the "lookers" in this species with an elongated dorsal fin and a forked caudal fin. Although its body is usually white, brown or silver, the male's fins come in a rainbow of colors, including reds, oranges and yellows. The female, which grows to about 2 inches long, lacks these colors. Both sexes sport a lateral stripe from the eye to the caudal fin and three shorter lines below this lateral line. The upper back also has three to five bands, depending on the fish's mood. The life expectancy for both sexes is five years.

    Behavior

    • A mostly peaceful breed, the male Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid can get confrontational during spawning season or if crowded. Both sexes are known for doing a "mating dance" during spawning season, with the female curving her body to entice the male and the male flashing his colorful fins in response. When not wooing the opposite sex, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids are shy and retreat to hiding places if spooked.

    Diet

    • While Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids in captivity can feed on processed flakes, pellets and tablets, variety and several small meals a day are the keys to happy, healthy fish. Live food, such as crustaceans, insects and larvae, helps keep their colors bright, but finely chopped meat and frozen or dried foods also can be served.

    Aquarium

    • The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid should be kept in an aquarium no smaller than 20 gallons with a water temperature of 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 6.0-7.8. Use a small, dark substrate with lots of rocks, plants and wood features for the fish to hide in, but also leave some open space for swimming. Male Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids form harems, so provide three or four female cichlids for every male. This species also can be kept with tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small catfish, Dwarf Gourami and Dwarf Rainbows.