Double Full Red Cockatoo

The Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid

The Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid (*Apistogramma cacatuoides*) is a visually striking variant of the popular Cockatoo cichlid, renowned for its vibrant red and yellow coloration and distinctive fin structure. This dwarf cichlid is favored by aquarists for its unique appearance and engaging behavior.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Male Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids typically grow to about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length, making them a relatively small cichlid.
• Coloration:
  • Body: The Double Full Red variant is characterized by its bright yellow body, adorned with vivid red or orange accents, particularly on the fins and facial features.
  • Fins: Their fins are elongated and colorful, often featuring a mix of red, orange, and yellow that adds to their overall beauty.
  • Shape: They have a rounded body shape with long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, which give them a graceful appearance.

Behavior:

• Temperament: Male Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids can be territorial, especially during breeding. They may display aggression towards other males or fish that invade their territory.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment, often interacting with their surroundings.
• Community Behavior: While they can be aggressive, they can coexist with peaceful tankmates in a community setting if given enough space and hiding spots.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 80 liters (21 gallons) is recommended for a pair of Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids, allowing for sufficient swimming space and territory establishment.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: They thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-12 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A soft substrate, such as sand or fine gravel, is recommended. Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, caves, and plants to create a secure environment.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal for showcasing their vibrant colors. Floating plants or decorations can provide shaded areas.
  • Filtration: A gentle filtration system is recommended, as strong currents can stress these fish. Regular water changes (around 20% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality.

Diet:

• Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids are carnivorous and require a varied diet to thrive. Their diet should include:
  • Pellets: High-quality cichlid pellets should form the staple of their diet.
  • Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to provide essential protein and variety.
  • Occasional Treats: Include plant-based foods, such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables, for a balanced diet.

Tankmates:

• Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids can be housed with various compatible species, including:
  • Small peaceful fish: Such as Neon Tetras, Rasboras, or small peaceful cichlids.
  • Bottom-dwellers: Corydoras catfish or other peaceful bottom-dwellers.
• Avoid housing them with aggressive species or larger fish that may intimidate or stress the Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlids.