Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Waylah&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Waylah (page does not exist)">Waylah</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameCockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Scientific NameApistogramma cacatuoides
Common NamesCockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Cockatoo Cichlid, Cacatuoides Dwarf Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Peru, Bolivia
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)20
Max Size (Inches)3
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesNeon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra, Corydoras Catfish, Otocinclus Catfish, Rasboras, Small peaceful schooling fish
Description
The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a popular and colorful South American cichlid known for the elaborate, spiky dorsal and caudal fins of the males, which resemble a cockatoo's crest. They are territorial, especially during breeding, but generally peaceful towards other species in a well-planted aquarium. These omnivores thrive in soft, acidic water with plenty of hiding spots.
