Apistogramma cacatuoides – Orange

Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Common Name: Orange Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides – Orange is a striking South American dwarf cichlid known for its bright orange finnage, dark contrasting markings, elongated dorsal rays, and impressive personality. Mature males can develop particularly vibrant coloration and extended fins, while females remain smaller and typically display more subdued coloration outside of breeding condition.

Native forms of Apistogramma cacatuoides originate from the Amazon River basin of South America, where they inhabit slower-moving waters and areas with plenty of natural cover.

Despite their compact size, these fish display the fascinating territorial behavior and personality associated with larger cichlids. They spend much of their time exploring the lower levels of the aquarium and appreciate caves, driftwood, plants, leaf litter, and other structures that provide secure hiding places and defined territories.

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: 75–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for protein-rich foods

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

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

Behavior & Tankmates: Orange Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids can be kept in carefully selected community aquariums with peaceful species of appropriate size. Like other Apistogramma, they may become significantly more territorial when breeding, especially around caves and spawning sites.

Breeding: Apistogramma cacatuoides is a cave-spawning species. Females typically select a protected cavity for spawning and provide dedicated care to the eggs and developing fry.

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

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.