Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid Alternative Name(s): Crested Dwarf Cichlid Scientific Name(s): Apistogramma Cacatuoides Category: Cichlid Difficulty: Maximum Size: 5cms Minimum Tank Volume: 50 litres Minimum Tank Size: Water Temperature Range: 24-27°C Water pH Range: 6.0-7.5 Water Hardness Range: 5-18 dGH

General Information:	A striking Cichlid so named because its dorsal rays resemble the crested feathers on a Cockatoo. A small colourful fish. The body has a silvery gray base and a long black horizontal line that runs the length of the lateral surface with a matching diagonal line eminating from the eyes along the ventral surface. Available in a number of varieties, single, double and triple, which describes the number of coloured fins, a triple red (pictured) having a red dorsal, caudal and anal fin.
Tank Requirements:	See Minimum Tank Volume and Minimum Tank Size above
Diet Requirements:	A varied diet should be given to ensure good health and colour, a base of flake and cichlid pellets supplemented with twice weekly treats of live/frozen bloodworm and brineshrimp etc.
Compatibility:	Due to its small size the Cockatoo Cichlid can be housed in a community with smaller fish such as tetras. Can be agressive to other cichlids and males of its own species. Agressive when spawning.
Recommendations:	Provide plenty of caves and plant cover for the females, in my experience some females can find it hard to compete for food in a busy community. Weekly water changes of 10-20%.
Common Problems:	All Apistogramma are sensitive to poor water quality, though it is accepted that the Cockatoo Cichlid is somewhat hardier than others of this genus.
Similar Species:	Other Apistogramma such as Apisto Agassizii, Apisto Macmasteri and Apisto Nijsseni to name just a few. Water parameters vary between species so individual research is required.
Sexing:	Females are easily identified by more subtle colouration, smaller dorsal ray extensions and a general smaller size. Dorsal rays are usually black and red, will display bright yellow spawning colours
Breeding:	Cockatoo Cichlids will pair for breeding though it is recognised by many keepers that hareem breeding is also possible. Cave spawners so provide plenty of hide-aways for the females.

very nice rich thats some great info their - will be a big help to anyone wanting
to keep them well done mate


dekker

I think my male is a red double and my female an orange version

The mouth on the male is HUGE - I reckon he could cram a cherry barb in their if he wanted - definately a neon tetra - but they are peaceful (generally) so they wont be eating any tankmates