Cockatoo cichlid

Behaviour and habits

The cockatoo apistogramma is a small, characterful dwarf cichlid whose male raises a spiky, orange-edged 'cockatoo' crest and displays to the female. A pair patrols a cave or a flowerpot and turns fiercely territorial when spawning, so tankmates need room to stay out of their corner. Away from breeding it is a peaceful, curious fish that sifts the substrate and moves among plants, wood and caves near the bottom.

What to feed, and how often

A carnivore that wants meaty food: frozen or live bloodworm, brineshrimp and mysis, plus a cichlid pellet. Feed once or twice daily; well-fed breeders colour up richly and spawn readily, and a varied, protein-rich diet keeps them in condition.

Water changes and maintenance

Keep the water soft and slightly acidic; change about 25% weekly, and add a catappa leaf for tannins that mimic its natural water. It is sensitive to hard, alkaline conditions and to sudden changes.

Care and how easy it is

Best as a pair in a mature, planted tank with caves and soft water, where stable parameters matter more than exact figures.

Lifespan

With good conditions and steady water quality, this species typically lives around 3–5 years in a home aquarium; some individuals live longer.

Common health problems

Sensitive to poor water; prone to internal parasites and fin rot under stress.

If it gets sick

For a thin, dark or hiding fish, treat for internal parasites and observe for one to two weeks, keeping it out of a crowded community while it recovers.