Orange Cockatoo Apisto Cichlid (1.25”)

Scientific Name:

Apistogramma cacatuoides (Orange Flash)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Males: up to 3 inches (7.5 cm); Females: about 2 inches (5 cm)

• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 10-20 gallons (75 liters) for a pair

• Larger tanks (30+ gallons) are recommended for community setups or multiple Apistogramma species to establish territories

Water Changes and General Care:

• Water changes: 20–30% weekly

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred)
    

• Filtration: Gentle but efficient filtration (e.g., sponge or canister)

• Substrate & décor: Fine sand substrate, driftwood, leaf litter, caves, and plants for shelter and territory marking

• Lighting: Moderate; subdued lighting mimics natural conditions

Tankmates:

• Peaceful companions:

  • Rummynose tetras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Hatchetfish, small plecos, hillstream loach, etc.

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers

  • Large aggressive cichlids

  • Other territorial dwarf cichlids in small tanks

Note: Males can be territorial during breeding, especially toward other males or similar-looking fish.

Diet:

• Type: Omnivore

• Staple foods:

  • High-quality micro pellets. Xtreme Nano, Northfin Cichlid formula

  • Frozen: brine shrimp and bloodworms (feed 1-2 times per week max)
    

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions

Overview:

The Orange Cockatoo Cichlid is a selectively bred variant of Apistogramma cacatuoides, prized for its intense orange-red finnage and playful, intelligent behavior. It is ideal for intermediate aquarists looking for a colorful but manageable cichlid with complex social behaviors. They thrive in well-planted, structured aquascapes and appreciate stable, soft-acidic water similar to their native environments.

Natural Environment:

• Location: Amazon River Basin, particularly Peru and western Brazil

• Habitat:

  • Slow-moving blackwater tributaries

  • Leaf-littered bottoms

  • Shaded areas with submerged roots and dense vegetation

  • Soft, acidic water with low conductivity

Breeding:

• Breeding type: Cave spawner, maternal mouthbrooder

• Conditions:

  • Slight temperature increase (to ~80°F / 27°C)

  • Soft, acidic water (pH ~6.5)

  • Provide multiple cave-like structures (coconut shells, clay pots, driftwood holes)

• Spawning behavior:

  • Female lays 30–50 eggs in a cave

  • She guards and fans the eggs; male defends territory

  • Eggs hatch in 2–4 days; fry become free-swimming within 5–7 days

• Feeding fry: live baby brine shrimp, or powdered fry food