Dwarf Cockatoo Golden | Apistogramma cachatoides

has another name known as Apistogramma cacatuoides commonly known as Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid or Big Mouth Apistogramma. Apistogramma is native to the rivers and backwaters of South America. Living at a temperature of about 26 -30 degrees Celsius with a pH of 5-7, this fish can grow to maturity of about 7-9 cm. Fish with this strain have been selectively bred for their brilliant reds and blacks. The body of this fish is elongated, with a prominent dorsal fin. The dorsal and caudal fins have striking red and black colors.

The Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid should be kept in an aquarium with at least 30 gallons of water. They need lots of open swimming areas but also need hiding places. Using fine gravel for sand substrate is recommended. Although a semi-aggressive fish, the Apistogramma is also shy and should not be housed with aggressive large fish. They need good water conditions, and regular water changes are a must.

The Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid is a fish that prefers to lay eggs in caves. After the female lays her eggs, the male will follow to fertilize them. After fertilization, the male then leaves it and the female fish will tend to guard it.

The hatchlings will swim freely within seven to ten days, at which time they must be fed with saltwater prawns (sea prawns). This fish is a fast-growing species, and the chicks of the  Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid will reach sexual maturity in about five months.

The Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid is a carnivore, and will consume a wide variety of foods. Bloodworms and tubifex, freeze-dried food flakes, and both frozen and live brine shrimp and worms will make excellent food for these fish.

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