APISTOGRAMMA COCKATOO

Apistogramma cacatuoides, commonly known as Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid or Cockatoo Apisto, is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. They are known for their striking colors, elongated dorsal fin rays that resemble a cockatoo's crest, and relatively easy care requirements. Here's a guide to caring for Apistogramma cacatuoides:   

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair of Cockatoo Apistos. For a harem setup (one male and multiple females), a 30-gallon or larger tank is advisable to provide sufficient space and reduce aggression.
• Substrate: Use a soft, sandy substrate to accommodate their natural digging behavior. They like to sift through the substrate in search of food.
• Plants: Include plenty of live plants like Java fern, Amazon swords, and floating plants. Plants provide cover, help maintain water quality, and create a more natural environment.
• Decor: Add driftwood, rocks, leaf litter, and caves to create hiding spots and territories. These structures are essential for breeding and reducing aggression by providing visual barriers.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C). They prefer slightly warmer water conditions.
• pH: Cockatoo Apistos thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They are more adaptable to different pH levels compared to some other Apistogramma species.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-15 dGH. They can tolerate a range of water hardness levels.
• Water Quality: They are sensitive to poor water quality, so it's crucial to maintain good water conditions. Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm, and nitrate levels below 20 ppm. Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential.

Feeding

• Diet: Apistogramma cacatuoides are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. Feed them high-quality flake food, pellets, and sinking cichlid food.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. These foods enhance their coloration and encourage natural feeding behavior.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times daily, providing only what they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality.