Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlid - Apistogramma cacatuoides

The Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlid is one of the most stunning small cichlids available in the aquarium trade. The bodies are quite muted, showing mostly mottled browns and grays with a black horizontal stripe. The fins of mature males, however, explode with color in vibrant flame like patterns and shapes.               

Care

Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids are small for South American cichlids, topping out at 2.5 inches, allowing them to be kept in tanks of 20 gallons or more. Though they're considered a semi-aggressive species when feeling threatened, there are a number of measures that can be taken to make them feel secure and mitigate aggression, making them compatible with community tanks. They should be provided with plenty of plants and other hiding places, as well as ample room to make their own territories. It's also important to limit the number of males, to reduce breeding and territorial aggression. Generally, these fish prefer very clean and soft water conditions and a soft, sandy substrate, though generations of captive breeding has made them somewhat less particular.     

Diet

Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids are carnivorous, but will generally accept any protein rich flake or pellet foods offered to them.