Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red," also known as the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts due to its stunning colors and manageable care requirements. This ornamental fish is native to the Amazon River basin and makes an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking to enhance the aesthetic of their freshwater aquariums. Known for their cockatoo-like dorsal fins and vibrant red markings, these dwarf cichlids bring life and color to any aquarium.

Key Features:

• Striking Appearance: The Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" is most recognized for its bold red hues, especially in males, which display bright red or orange along the dorsal fins and tail. Females are smaller and have more subtle coloration, usually featuring light yellow tones. During breeding, females may display more intense colors.
• Peaceful Nature: While cichlids are often thought of as aggressive fish, the Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" is relatively peaceful. They can be territorial, especially during breeding, but generally, they do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

Ideal Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0
• Water Hardness: 2 to 10 dGH (soft to slightly hard water)
• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair of Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red." Larger tanks are required for communities or if adding more males to reduce territorial disputes.

Tank Setup:

• Aquascaping: Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" thrives in well-planted aquariums with plenty of hiding spots like caves, driftwood, and rocks. The inclusion of floating plants helps diffuse light, mimicking their natural habitat and reducing stress. Dark substrates and leaf litter are also ideal to create a more natural environment.
• Filtration: A reliable filtration system that maintains good water quality without creating excessive current is essential. These fish prefer calm waters, so ensure the filter isn’t too strong.

Tank Mates:

• Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" are generally peaceful but may show territorial behavior, particularly during breeding.
• Ideal tank mates include small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and other small, non-aggressive species.
• Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, as this could lead to stress or injury for the Apistogramma.
• In larger tanks, multiple males can coexist if there are ample hiding spots to establish territories.

Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. They will happily accept a range of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts twice a day, ensuring that food is consumed within a few minutes. Overfeeding should be avoided to maintain optimal water quality.

Breeding Information:

• Breeding Setup: Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Red" are relatively easy to breed in aquariums. Provide caves or small flowerpots for the female to lay eggs. These fish are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female will care for the eggs and fry in her mouth.
• Water Conditions for Breeding: Breeding is more successful in slightly acidic water (pH around 6.0) with soft water and a temperature between 78°F and 82°F.
• Fry Care: Once the fry hatch, they can be fed finely crushed flakes or specialized fry foods. Ensure the water is clean, and avoid placing the fry in a tank with larger, predatory fish.

Care Tips:

• Regular Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of about 20-30% to maintain water quality, as Apistogramma are sensitive to poor conditions.
• Observation: Keep an eye on their behavior. Aggression may indicate overcrowding or stress due to poor water quality. If breeding, ensure other tank mates aren’t disturbing the female while she tends to her eggs or fry.
• Disease Prevention: These fish can be prone to common freshwater diseases like Ich if kept in poor conditions. Make sure the water parameters are stable, and always quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.