Apistogramma cacatuoides

The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a vibrant and personality-filled fish, making it a popular choice for aquarists. Its name comes from the male's impressive dorsal fin, which he can raise like a cockatoo's crest during displays of dominance or courtship. Males are brilliantly colored, often with shades of red, orange, and blue on their fins, while females are smaller and typically a more subdued yellow-brown, which brightens to a striking canary yellow when caring for her young. These fish are curious and intelligent, often seen exploring every nook and cranny of their environment. They require a tank with a soft, sandy substrate to accommodate their natural tendency to sift for food, along with plenty of hiding places like small caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation. This provides them with security and allows them to establish territories. While considered territorial, they can be kept with other peaceful, similar-sized fish that occupy the upper levels of the aquarium, such as small tetras or rasboras. A varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets or flakes, supplemented with occasional frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, will ensure they remain healthy and display their best colors. Their active but not hyperactive nature makes them a captivating centerpiece for a well-structured community tank.