#COCKATOO CICHLID FREE#

Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions, this may not always be possible. The Cockatoo Cilchlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is also known as the Cockatoo Dwarf Cilchlid.Īll Pond Solutions will always endeavor to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible.

Spare Parts For Fish Tanks and Aquariums.

When they are available for purchase, they are usually 1″ to 1-1/2″ in length. Live, frozen, and freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and a quality flake food will all be eagerly be accepted.ĭespite being widely bred by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts, Cockatoo Dwart Cichlids are not always available in tropical fish shops. They grow quickly and will attain sexual maturity in around five months.Ĭockatoo Dwart Cichlids are carnivores that will eat a variety of foods.

#COCKATOO CICHLID FREE#

The fry are free swimming in 7 to 10 days, at which time they should be provided newly hatched brine shrimp. The male then leaves the brood to the female to care for. After the female lays her eggs, the male will follow her and fertilize them. The Cockatoo Dwart Cichlid is an egg layer that prefers spawning in caves.

Although these are one of the few South American Dwarf Cichlids that can tolerate alkaline water, they require good water conditions and should be given regular water changes for them to stay healthy. They can be housed with tetras and other peaceful species without any problems but Apistogramma cacatuoides are timid and should never be kept with larger, aggressive species. These cichlids are well suited for planted aquariums but need plenty of swimming room.īecause the males and females are territorial, Cockatoo Dwart Cichlidsshould be kept in pairs, trios of one male with two females, or in harems of one male with several females. The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is best kept in a densely planted aquarium of at least 30 gallons with a sandy or very fine gravel substrate, some caves and driftwood roots for them to hide in, or (in a biotope setup) some Indian Almond Leaves on the bottom of the tank. Both sexes have the dark line that leads from the eye to the bottom of the gill flap. They lose their black lateral band which is replaced by a black side spot.

Their background body color is a dull pale yellow with a clear black line running along the flank.ĭuring mating or when the females are protecting their fry, their body colors becomes more vibrant andĬockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) Female The ventral fins are clear and the leading 3 or 4 hard rays are elongated.įemales lack the elongated dorsal rays of the male, and their ventral fins show a black leading edge. The males are much more colorful than the females and usually have red/orange dorsal and caudal fins. The mouth of these cichlids is rather large with thick lips. Males grow up to 3.5 inches and the smaller females max out at around 2.5 inches. The male Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid has a noticeably elongated body shape, is larger than the female, and has very long prominent rays in the dorsal fin and bright coloration as compared to the smaller fins and drabber brownish/yellowish background body color of the female. Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have developed several other more color intense varieties through selective breeding. The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid has blue, yellow and red color forms that occur naturally in their native habitats. Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides)

Cockatoo cichlid