(F94) APISTOGRAMMA DWARF COCKATOO GOLDEN CICHLID

Description

🐟 Apistogramma Cichlid

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Apistogramma species (over 90+ types like Agassizii, Cacatuoides, Borellii, etc.)

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)

• Size: 2 – 3.5 inches (5 – 9 cm)

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom to Mid

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 50 – 150 ppm

• pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Small, colorful dwarf cichlids with many varieties (reds, blues, yellows, and patterned fins).

• Males are larger and more colorful, females smaller and rounder.

• Peaceful compared to other cichlids, but territorial when breeding.

• Intelligent, active, and often interact with owners.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous (with preference for protein).

• Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia).

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily, small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair, larger if keeping harems or multiple males.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration – they don’t like strong currents.

• Decor: Provide plenty of caves, driftwood, leaf litter, and plants (they love hiding places).

• Water Change: 20–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or 1 male + 2–3 females (harem style).

• Tank Mates: Tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, corydoras, small plecos, shrimp (with caution).

• Avoid: Large/aggressive fish or fin nippers.

✅ Do’s

• Provide lots of hiding spots (caves & plants).

• Keep in soft, slightly acidic water for best colors.

• Keep them with peaceful community fish.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep multiple males in small tanks – they fight.

• Don’t use strong filters – they prefer calm waters.

• Don’t keep with very aggressive or large fish.

⭐ Quick Tips

• One of the most beautiful dwarf cichlids.

• Ideal for planted aquariums.

• Known for their interesting breeding and parenting behavior.