Species profile
Apistogramma Cacatuoides
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Peaceful
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–7.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Dwarf Amazonian cichlid suited to planted or leaf-litter aquaria with numerous small caves and broken sightlines.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–29 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
Up to 18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Males may maintain territories containing one or more females. Females become strongly defensive around caves and fry, so community tankmates need escape space.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Alternative names
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Cockatoo Apistogramma
Native range
Amazon basin of Peru, Colombia and Brazil.
Natural habitat
Slow or static forest-edge waters with leaf litter, roots and dense cover. Gentle flow and plentiful small caves suit natural behaviour.
Diet & feeding
Primarily micropredatory. Use quality small carnivore pellets/granules plus frozen/live foods such as Artemia, daphnia and mosquito larvae.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are much larger and more colourful with elongated 'cockatoo' dorsal rays; females are smaller and become intense yellow when breeding.
Breeding
Cave spawner. Females tend eggs and larvae within/around the cave and later lead free-swimming fry; males defend the wider territory.