Cockatoo Cichlid
The Cockatoo Cichlid is a tropical, freshwater cichlid from the Amazon River. They are also known as the big mouth cichlid because of its large mouth. It comes in many different color variations of reds and oranges. It has a grayish body, a black line mid-way through it, and colorful red/orange fins.
In the wild they come from streams and backwaters of the Amazon River. The waters are slow moving and murky. Cockatoo Cichlids prefer soft, slightly acidic water. As an adult they will reach about 2 – 3.5 inches in length.
When setting up an aquarium for the Cockatoo Cichlid please keep a few things in mind. They should have plenty of hiding spots such as plants and caves. Use a dark substrate so their colors are more vibrant. They also like driftwood and plants that have roots above the substrate. Leave a comment with your cichlid experience!
Cockatoo Cichlid Care
Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Common Names: Cockatoo Cichlid.
Beginner Fish: No, care level is medium.
Tank Size: At least 20 gallons for each pair.
Water Temperature: 79°F-84°F
pH: 6-7
Natural Habitat: Streams of the Amazon River.
Lifespan: 3-5 years.
Behavior: They are peaceful Cichlids, except during breeding.
Feeding: Feed flakes, frozen, freeze dried and pellets.
Tank Region: Bottom to middle areas of the tank.
Gender: Males are more colorful and have pointed anal and dorsal fins.
4 comments
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Flyinry
June 5, 2011 at 9:49 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I love the colors on this fish! I am hoping of getting a used 55 gallon tank off of craigslist. I will probably stock with cichlids!
Anonymous
June 8, 2011 at 10:16 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
This cichlid is freakin awesome!!!! AHH I want one
Jenn
June 8, 2011 at 10:16 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Gorgeous fish
jake
July 21, 2011 at 1:10 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Excellent book. Great photos. No index? Huh? C’mon PaulV. and Dr. Loiselle. Did you guys both make the Homer Simpson "DOAH" sound after you published this and realized you forgot an index. Very frustrating. I still grab this book from time to time for reference and habitually look to the INDEX, but alas, there is none. Can you say REVISED EDITION?