Cockatoo Cichlid "red" - Apistogramma cacatuoides - DNZ single specimen

The beautifully brightly colored Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma cacatuoides "red" belongs to the cichlids from South America. The easy to keep cockatoo dwarf cichlid is a traditional aquarium fish, which is bred in different color varieties. In the red color form, the fins are bright bright red in color and have a fine black line pattern. The basic body color is gray, with a blurred black mid-length stripe that begins at the eye and extends to the base of the caudal fin. The belly is yellow in color. On the head, the red cockatoo dwarf cichlid has fine shimmering turquoise spots. Cockatoo dwarf cichlids reach a length of up to 7 cm. Females are slightly smaller and more inconspicuous than males. Males have a longer extended caudal fin with a tip at the top and bottom. Weak, low-ranking males "disguise" themselves as females as long as strong rivals are nearby.

In the wild, the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid lives in pools and sluggish flowing waters with clear water over a leaf-covered bottom. In the aquarium, the red cockatoo dwarf cichlid also likes a dark substrate and some foliage. Plenty of hiding places, including caves, are necessary for these pretty little cichlids to feel comfortable. Apostogramma cacatuoides likes to have some swimming space in the center of the aquarium, while the edges may be well planted.

Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids, as one of the few South American cichlid species, can be kept not only in soft water, but also in somewhat harder water . A pH of 6 to 8 is within reason, a pH of 7-8 is recommended. Water temperatures between 24-29 °C are ideal. Apistogramma cacatuoides "red" need clean water with as low an organic load as possible. Regular water changes are mandatory for successful care of the red cockatoo dwarf cichlid, as well as a high performance filter.

The Red Cockatoo Cichlid can be beautifully socialized with surface-oriented tetras and other ornamental fish that primarily swim on the water surface, as well as with catfish. Dwarf shrimps belong to the natural food of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, it eats very gladly small crustaceans. The best way to keep Apistogramma cacatuoides "red" is as a pair or in a harem: A male is ideally kept with 4-6 females in an aquarium with an edge length of 100 cm or more. The females then each take a breeding territory of about 30x40 cm size. They need here also each an own cave. The male guards all these breeding territories and his females. Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids reach approximately 3 years of age in the aquarium.

The attractive Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is not difficult to breed. Apistogramma cacatuoides breeds hidden in caves where the female lays her clutch. There the eggs are guarded and cared for. The male guards the cave and prevents predators from snatching the eggs. The baby cichlids hatch after only 2 days. After only 5 days they swim free. The female still looks after the young fish and keeps them in her breeding territory. The young Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids feed initially on infusoria and then also on artemia euplii, copepods and microworms.

The Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid feeds on Live foodfreeze-dried food or even frozen food Frozen food. Special food for carnivorous cichlids such as our NatureHolic Cichlidfeed developed specifically for these ornamental fish is suitable. These cichlids will not eat plants.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichlidfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. The NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for predominantly carnivorous fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that fish naturally eat, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro-injuries that can result from hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.