aquariumwebshop

← Back to animal guide / Freshwater

Freshwater · Fish

Cockatoo dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides

Males have elongated dorsal-fin rays; cultivated colours vary widely. A small cichlid that establishes a territory. Sand, shelters and broken sight lines help limit conflict.

Cockatoo dwarf cichlid — Apistogramma cacatuoides
Photo: William Kreijkes · CC BY-SA 3.0

At a glance

Scientific name
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Dutch name
Kaketoedwergcichlide
Water temperature
22–29 °C
pH
5.5–7
Adult length, up to approximately
7.5 cm SL
Experience
Some experience
General hardness (GH)
0–15 °dGH
Starting footprint
60 × 30 cm
Swimming or living zone
Bottom
Flow
Gentle, with adequate oxygen

This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.

Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.

Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.

Origin

South America — Amazonas / Peru

Habitat & setup

Tropical rivers and tributary waters; provide cover and open swimming space.

Diet

Small animal prey and suitable protein-rich complete food. Vary frozen food and safely cultured live food.

Behaviour & grouping

Plan separate territories; an arbitrary pair may still fight.

Living with other animals

Calm fish outside the bottom territory with matching water needs. Even usual companions may be chased during brood care.

Possible combinations to investigate further

These examples are conditional: check group size, space, hardness and behaviour. The displayed values only show overlapping ranges, not a guarantee of suitable stocking.

Reproduction

Eggs on a substrate; parents may become highly territorial while guarding.

A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.

Sources & image credits

Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.

Photo: Cacatuoides.JPG — William Kreijkes. CC BY-SA 3.0.