Apistogramma cacatuoides

Also sold as Cockatoo dwarf cichlid · Apisto · Cacatuoides · Triple red apistogramma · Double red cacatuoides

Synonyms Cockatoo cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–83°F (22–28.5°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank	60 L (16 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	72–83°F (22–28.5°C)
pH	6–7.5
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
GH	2–12
Lifespan	3–5 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Apistogramma cacatuoides needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It holds at 72–83°F (22–28.5°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
One of them takes up roughly 21% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

72–83°F (22–28.5°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12.

How long does it live?

3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Apistogramma cacatuoides	Apistogramma agassizii	Bolivian Ram
Adult size	8 cm	8 cm	8 cm
Min tank	60 L	60 L	75 L
Group	1+	2+	1+
Temperature	72–83°F (22–28.5°C)	75–84°F (24–29°C)	73–81°F (23–27°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Apistogramma cacatuoides →

Sources (8) · checked Sep 2026