Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, micro worms
Aquarium species profile
Apistogramma
Apistogramma cacatuoides · South America (Amazon basin, Peru/Colombia)
Minimum tank20 gal
Adult size3.5"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature78–84°F
pH range5.5–7.0
Compatible tank mates
Small peaceful tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember), Corydoras, Otocinclus, small rasboras
Tank mates to avoid
Other Apistogramma males (very territorial), large aggressive fish
Care notes
Most popular dwarf cichlid genus. Males are spectacular with fan-shaped dorsal fins and vivid coloration. Females turn yellow when guarding eggs. Harem keeper: 1 male to 2–3 females. Many species and color variants available (cacatuoides, agassizii, borellii, macmasteri).
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.