Species: Apistogramma cacatuoides (Hoedeman, 1951)
Synoma: Was erroneous known as Apistogramma borelli
prior to 1970
Common name: Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Origin: Mainly Peru.
Localities/Morphs: Widely distrubted in the catchment of
the upper and central Rio Ucayali of the Pervian
lowlands
Maximum size: Females: 6cm; Males 9cm
Natural habitat: A. cacatuoides inhabits small streams,
lagoons and lakes in the rain forest. This species
typically prefers shallow zones where thick layers of
leaf litter and pieces of wood provide shelter.
Natural foods/prey: Zooplankton/Micropredator
Water chemistry in the wild: This species typically
hails from white or clear water habitats with gernerally
a pH of between 6.5 � 8.0, dGH 0 -18 and low salinity
(387microsemens @ 27 C). Its environment can fluctuate
between 16 � 33 degrees celcius. The bodies of water in
which A. cacatuoides are generally found have little
currently and are generally very shallow. A. cacatuoides
appears to prefer habitats with emerse vegetation.
Predators: Larger fish
Brood size: More than 200 eggs.
Sexual dimorphism: There is distinct sexual dimorphism.
Males grow to about twice the size of females. On
reaching maturity males develop a distinctly lyrate
caudal fin, whereas females have round or at most
truncated caudal fins. The dorsal fin of the male has
remarkably long membranes between the scond and eighth
spines, which looks similar to the crest of a cockatoo.
Breeding method: Polygamous males, cave spawner.
Husbandry requirements
Minimum tank size: From 1ft to 4ft, I prefer 1.5ft or
40l aquariums. The larger the aqurium the more likely
natural interactions will be observed.
Sex ratio: 4:1 (Female:Male)
Tolerance of conspecifics: As long territories are
available they are tolerant. As soon as territory
squables erupt they are very aggressive.
Tolerance of heterospecifics: Very compatible.
Water chemistry in aquaria: Salinity - low, Hardness -
low (<20 dGH), DO2 >4ppm, TAN (total N) >0.1ppm.
Temperature range: 16 � 33, optimum 24 � 26.
Foods accepted: All small live and frozen foods, flakes
and pellets.
Special requirements: Suitable easily defendable
shelters. Plants, slate, rocks, coconut shells,
terracotta pots, PVC pipe, etc. have all been
succesfully used. I prefer 100mm diameter terracotta
pots placed top down with the drainage hole enlarged and
a slot made in the lip.
Notes
» The males of A. cacatuoides exhibit a high degree of
polygamy. They claim a superterritory within which
several females establish and vigorously defend small
territories against potential competitors. The males
patrol the outer borders of their realms in regular
intervals and visit the females at their individual
hiding places. Sometimes occupying just a few tens of
square centimeters the females territory has an easily
defend shelter at its center. The clutch of egss is
attached to the inside of the shelter and immediately
fertilized by the males. All subsequent care of the
clutch is left to the mother. The larvae hatch,
temperature dependent, after two to three days. The
larval phase lasts five to seven days. The fry are
free-swimming seven to eleven days postspawning. In
peaceful surroundings, the mother guides her offspring
through her territory for upto three weeks, by which
time she is ready to spawn again.
» This species is one of the longer established dwarf
south american cichlids established in the hobby. There
are a number of varieties that have been developed. The
hardest part to enjoying this species is finding well
formed individuals. Due to the long term selective
breeding of this species it is not always possible to
find suitable individuals.
» The best way to enjoy this species and other
Apistogramma species is to purchase a male and several
females. Their home should be in a well planted tank
with numerous shelters. They will soon be entertaining
you with their particular intraspecific interactions.
» Wild caught A. cacatuoides appear to have little red
in the fins and resemble the 'double' and 'triple' red
varieties only in shape. For this reason care should be
taken not to mix 'wild caught' varieties of this species
with the line bred morphs such as 'Double' or 'Triple
Red'.
