Apistogramma cacatuoides - Double Red

Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Common Name: Double Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

The Double Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is a stunning selectively bred variety of Apistogramma cacatuoides, prized for its intense red-and-black finnage, elongated dorsal rays, and compact size. Mature males are especially striking, developing extended fins and bold coloration that make this one of the most recognizable Apistogramma varieties in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

Native forms of A. cacatuoides originate from the Amazon River basin of South America, including tributaries of the Ucayali, Amazon, and Solimões systems.

Despite their small size, these are true cichlids with plenty of personality. They spend much of their time exploring the lower areas of the aquarium and appreciate caves, driftwood, plants, leaf litter, and other structures that create defined territories and secure hiding places.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Peaceful / Territorial
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches, with males generally larger than females
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 75–82°F
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for protein-rich foods

Recommended Setup: A mature, well-filtered aquarium with a sand or fine substrate, plants, driftwood, caves, and plenty of visual barriers. Multiple hiding areas are especially important when keeping a pair or multiple Apistogramma.

Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets or other appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and similar small aquatic foods.

Behavior & Tankmates: Double Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids can work well in carefully selected community aquariums, but they may become significantly more territorial during breeding. Peaceful tankmates that occupy other areas of the aquarium are generally preferable to aggressive or highly competitive species.

Breeding: Apistogramma cacatuoides is a cave-spawning cichlid. Females deposit eggs inside protected cavities and provide parental care to the eggs and developing young.

Please Note: Double Red coloration, fin development, sex, size, and pattern naturally vary between individual fish. Mature males generally develop the most dramatic finnage and coloration. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.

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