Are cockatoo cichlids aggressive?

Named for their similar coloration pattern with the famous bird, cockatoo cichlids are known as generally peaceful creatures, except when they are breeding. At this time, they become more aggressive. Despite this aspect of their character, cockatoo cichlids are timid and feel threatened by other, more aggressive fish.

How big do cockatoo cichlids get?

The Cockatoo Cichlid is a small colorful fish. The males are larger, growing up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length while females only reach about 2 inches (5 cm). They can live up to about 5 years. The body has a silvery gray base and a long black horizontal line that runs through the middle.

How big do Apistogrammas get?

Appearance. Apistogramma are dwarf cichlids with adults reaching between 2 and 8 cm (0.8–3.1 in) in standard length depending on exact species.

What fish can you put with cockatoo cichlid?

Cockatoo Cichlids are usually peaceful fish that will do well in a community tank, as well as with their own kind. Suitable non-Cockatoo tank mates will be smaller or same-size fish that are also non-aggressive like Cardinal tetras, Dwarf Gourami, Glowlight Rasboras, Julii Cory, Kuhli Loach, or Dwarf Rainbow fish.

What fish can I keep with dwarf cichlids?

Wild caught specimens should be kept in a species aquarium due to their special water chemistry needs, however, captive bred individuals can be kept with peaceful fish. Some of those include neons, cardinals, rummynose, lemon tetras, hatchetfish, pencilfish, small rasboras, pygmy gouramis and Corydoras catfish.

Are apistogramma aggressive?

Apistogramma, or Apistos as they’re affectionately nicknamed, have a semi-aggressive temperament. One of the first things you’ll notice about these species is how curious they are! They’ll live on the bottom of the tank, so they’ll do well with any species that doesn’t take up the valuable ‘floor space’ down there.

Are Apistogrammas hard to keep?

Breeding Apistogramma isn’t too difficult. However, you do need to provide them with the right environment to trigger the process. These fish are egglayers. Females of some species will keep the eggs in her mouth.

Are Apistogrammas aggressive?

Can cockatoo cichlids live alone?

Can cichlids live alone? When provided with clean water and food, in theory most cichlids are able to survive alone. However it is best to keep at least a breeding pair or more to allow them to thrive. The only cichlid that is often kept alone is the Oscar.

What do cockatoo cichlids eat?

Feeding your Cockatoo Cichlid In the wild, the Cockatoo cichlids are exclusively carnivorous fish feeding on insects, larvae, or worms, but in captivity it has been observed they are not very picky eaters. Most aquarists feed them flake or pellet diets with great success, though meaty foods are also necessary.

What temp do Apistos like?

agassizii does best in well-oxygenated, acidic water with a pH range of 4.0 – 6.0. Water temperature should be kept between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This species is peaceful when kept with other community species similar in size and non-aggressive (avoid other dwarf cichlid species).

What is the scientific name for the cockatoo dwarf cichlid?

The scientific name of the Cockatoo dwarf cichlid is Apistogramma cacatuoides, one of the members of the famous Apistogramma from South America as well as “Borel” (Apistogramma borellii) and “Agassiz” (Apistogramma agassizii) which are famous for the beginners. If we look roughly, Cacatuoi is alike two of the Apistogramma.

What is the name of the Cockatoo’s back mast?

One of the dominant points of Cacatuoi is the female back mast along the back, which is as high as cockatoos’ crest. That is the source of the Spanish name “Cactuoides” which means “alike cockatoo”, which is appropriate for it.

Where do cockatoos live in the Amazon River?

The cockatoo dwarf cichlid is found in the Amazon River basin, in tributaries of the Ucayali, Amazon and Solimões rivers from the Pachitea River to Tabatinga in Peru and Colombia where it lives in small shallow streams or lagoon-like waters in the rain forest. The fish prefer a water temperature between 24 and 28 °C.

What should the pH be for a cockatoo cichlid?

Ideal conditions are pH of 6.8 to 7.2 or less, hardness of 10 or less and temperature of 78° to 84° F (26° to 29° C). As a rule the more acidic and soft is the water, the more prolific they are. To find a good cockatoo dwarf cichlid match we offer to buy 6 juveniles so they’ll grow together.