Keeping the fish Apistogramma cacatuoides is not very difficult. Make sure to imitate the water temperament according to their natural habitat and set up hiding places for them.
Among many attractive, dazzlingly colored, and snoopy fish for your tank stunner, Apistogramma cacatuoides fish is on the list for sure. Apistogramma cacatuoides fish, also called Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids or simply Apistos, is popular for being a super curious species. They will come right up to the aquarium glass as you peep. They also have many personalities, such as great interaction with their master.
If you wish to add them to your community tanks, here are some tips for keeping the fish Apistogramma cacatuoides.
Brief Background
Apistogramma cacatuoides fish is originally found all over the tropical parts of South America. Apistos are attractive showstoppers because they are very social and love exploring their surroundings. Their maximum size is around 3 inches and 3.5 inches.
Besides their active traits, Apistogramma cacatuoides fish is popular among fish-lovers because of their vibrant colors. All over their bodies are colored soft yellow with eminent stripes extending from the head to the back. Most gleaming red spots cover the fins.
Tank Size
The first thing you need to know about keeping the fish Apistogramma cacatuoides is, of course, the aquarium size. Because they are small, they don’t require a big tank. Even with a tank of 20 gallons, a group of Dwarf Cockatoo Cichlids can still be agile and happy.
Still, a bigger tank is better. Since Apistos are active and a bit territorial, placing them in a spacious tank can give them greater time to find their own place. A 30-gallon tank can also lessen aggression.
Water Set-Ups
When it comes to water temperature, the setting is quite challenging. It is because Apistos can be extremely sensitive to water changes, including temperature and pH levels. The best water condition is imitating their natural habitat.
Keep the temperature at around 72°F to 86°F (22-30°C) and pH levels at 6.0 to 7.0. As for the water hardness, it ranges from 2 to 15 dH. Use a valid aquarium test kit to ensure the water condition has met the number.
Aquarium Filtration
A filter in a tank is much recommended. To clean any junk your little bodies make, you need a filter with carbon filtration. Try a pretty powerful canister filter. Apistos loves still water, so you don’t need any water pumps or air bladders.
Tank Set-Ups
What should you put inside your tank? Apistogramma cacatuoides fish is territorial and enjoy hiding places. So, to impersonate their habitat in the wild, try to add natural tropical plants and sandy substrates on the bottom. They might dig the sandy bottom, so choose a safe substrate.
Complement the tropical plants with rocks and driftwood to create pleasing hideouts. Some sturdy live plants you can put inside your tank are Flame moss, Java moss, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, Helanthium tenellum, and Water sprite.
Keeping the fish Apistogramma cacatuoides in a tank is pretty challenging but, of course, very fulfilling. There is something about them that makes every hobbyist loves them. We hope you find this article useful!