If you buy through our links, Amazon pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s how we keep the site running. How we choose.
Contents
Overview
The cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is the easiest Apistogramma to keep and one of the showiest. It lives in streams and pools of the upper Amazon in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, among leaf litter and roots.
It is named for the male's dorsal fin, whose first rays are extended like a cockatoo's crest. Males reach about 3 inches (8 cm) with lyre-shaped tails, and captive strains such as "double red" and "orange flash" show intense red and orange fins. The smaller females turn lemon yellow while guarding fry. It is ideal for anyone who wants to try dwarf cichlids without the strict water demands of other species.
Care and tank setup
A pair needs at least 16 gallons (60 L); for a male with two females (a harem), go for 20 gallons (80 L) or more, with a cave for each female. Floor space matters more than height.
- Water: it handles everything from soft and acidic to slightly hard and neutral, but dislikes high nitrates.
- Decor: fine sand, dried catappa or oak leaves, driftwood, plants and several small caves (coconut shells, small pots, stones).
- Tank mates: midwater and top-dwelling fish like small tetras, rasboras or pencilfish, which also make it feel safe. Avoid other apistos or bottom cichlids in small tanks.
It is territorial toward its own kind and gets pushier when breeding, though it rarely harms fish that use other levels. It will eat dwarf shrimp. Typical mistakes are keeping two males in too little space, offering no caves and skipping water changes.
Feeding
It is a small invertebrate predator that readily takes dry food. Alternate fine sinking pellets with frozen or live food: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops and mysis.
Variety is key to keeping its colors. Offer small portions twice a day and avoid leftovers that foul the substrate.
Breeding
It is one of the easiest apistos to breed. The female picks a cave, lays 50 to 150 eggs on the ceiling and tends them while the male guards the surrounding territory.
After about a week the fry leave the cave, escorted by the female, and eat baby brine shrimp right away. Temperature affects the sex ratio: warmer water usually produces more males.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid, and why.
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
- Celestial pearl danio: incompatible temperatures, one may eat the other due to size
- Ember tetra: one may eat the other due to size
- Amano shrimp: eats shrimp
- Cherry shrimp: eats shrimp
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Cockatoo dwarf cichlid need?
At least about 60 liters for a group of at least 2 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Guppy and Platy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid be kept with shrimp?
Not recommended: because of its size or instinct, it will eat shrimp.
