Cockatoo Cichlid

Hoedman first described this fish in 1951 as Apistogramma cacatuoides. Better known as the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, it is one of the more commonly available of the Dwarf Cichlids. Very territorial, males should have several females if you plan to keep them together. Ideally you should use a dark substrate with rocky caves (or clay pots) if attempting to spawn this fish. The Cockatoo Cichlid prefers softer, acidic water, but is sensitive to too large of a water change and any medications. Males will defend a territory while the female will defend the eggs and/or brood. Females may act as a community while raising the fry, trading off duties among each other. A carnivore in the wild, the Cockatoo will prefer meaty prepared foods, tubifex worms and live water daphnia. Somewhat difficult to raise, these fish can make a striking display if properly maintained.

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