The сockatoo сichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is one of the easiest dwarf cichlids to keep, however it’s not the most spread one among the aquarists.Just like all cockatoo dwarf cichlids the cacatuoides is good for community tank. The fish is small in size and it’s not an aggressive one so it even can be kept together with small tetras (Characinidae).

Then again it’s a cichlid after all and still it will hunt fry and small prawns, therefore it’s better not to keep them together.

Cichlid prefers an aquarium tightly covered with plants, with scattered and not bright light. Lots of caves are necessary. Fish will protect them from the other aquarium inhabitants.

It’s important to control water parameters and purity, since cockatoo is very sensitive to the presence of ammonia and nitrates in the water.

One should mention that cockatoo cichlid wild color is not that bright, but due to selective breeding the colors morfs are now much more pronounced