{"product_id":"apistograma-cacatuoides","title":"Apistograma cacatuoides","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eApistogramma cacatuoides\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eCockatoo Dwarf Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a colourful South American dwarf cichlid prized for its bold personality, elongated dorsal fins and vibrant red, orange and black markings. Males are especially striking, while females remain smaller and often develop bright yellow breeding colouration. They are an excellent feature fish for peaceful planted community aquariums when given plenty of cover and territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males approximately 7.5 cm, females around 5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but can become territorial when breeding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSocial behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNot a schooling fish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept as a single pair or, in larger well-structured aquariums, one male with multiple females\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable with peaceful tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, Corydoras and other small community species. Avoid aggressive cichlids or fish likely to compete heavily for bottom territory\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–29°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 5.0–7.0 for captive-bred fish, with softer and more acidic water preferred for breeding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard, up to approximately 15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 55–60 L for a pair, with larger tanks recommended for groups or community setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a soft sandy substrate with plenty of caves, driftwood, plants and shaded hiding areas. Leaf litter and botanicals can also help recreate their natural environment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily carnivorous; offer quality sinking pellets alongside frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cave spawner. Females become strongly territorial while guarding eggs and fry and may chase the male or other bottom-dwelling fish away from the nest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike tetras and rainbowfish, \u003cstrong\u003eApistogramma cacatuoides do not need to school with their own species\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their main requirement is adequate territory and hiding places. Captive-bred individuals can work very well in community aquariums, but extra space and cover are important if a pair begins breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLive fish are sold subject to availability and may vary slightly in size and colouration. Please review our livestock shipping and DOA guarantee before ordering.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aura Aquarium AU","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43297366245585,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/4797\/2049\/files\/Untitleddesign_17.png?v=1788834172","url":"https:\/\/www.auraaquarium.com\/products\/apistograma-cacatuoides","provider":"Aura Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}