Apistogramma cacatuoides – Super Red

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

Apistogramma cacatuoides – Super Red is a spectacular selectively bred variety of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, prized for its intense red-orange finnage, bold black markings, elongated dorsal rays, and compact size. Mature males can develop especially dramatic coloration across the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, making the Super Red one of the most eye-catching forms of A. cacatuoides available in the aquarium hobby.

Native forms of Apistogramma cacatuoides originate from the Amazon River basin of South America, including portions of Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. The Super Red variety has been selectively bred to emphasize stronger red coloration while retaining the fascinating behavior and personality of the species.

Despite their small size, these are true cichlids with plenty of personality. They spend much of their time exploring the lower portions of the aquarium, establishing territories around caves and structure, and interacting with their environment.

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 small protein-rich foods

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

Feed a varied diet of high-quality, appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small aquatic foods. A varied diet can help support healthy growth, condition, and coloration.

Behavior & Tankmates: Super Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids can work well in carefully planned community aquariums with peaceful species of appropriate size. However, they can become considerably more territorial during breeding, particularly around caves and established spawning sites. Avoid aggressive tankmates and excessive competition from other bottom-dwelling fish.

Breeding: Apistogramma cacatuoides is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. Females typically deposit their eggs inside a protected cavity and provide dedicated care to the eggs and developing fry, becoming strongly territorial around the spawning site.

Please Note: Super Red coloration, markings, fin development, size, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Mature males generally develop the strongest red coloration and most elaborate finnage. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.

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