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Cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma)

Freshwater Intermediate Semi-aggressive

Cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma) grows to about 3.1 in and needs a tank of at least 20 US gal. Here's how to keep it healthy and what it lives well with.

Quick facts

Water type
Freshwater
Group
Cichlids
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
Bottom
Adult size
3.1 in
Minimum tank
20 US gal
Min swim length
23.6 in
Group size
Fine on its own

Water parameters

Temperature
75–82 °F
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH

Tank & care

Cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma) doesn't need a group and can be kept singly; choose tankmates to suit its temperament.

Give it at least 23.6 in of swimming length and hold the water around 75–82 °F. Match any new species to these ranges before adding them.

Plan a tank with this fish

Use the stocking calculator to see how many Cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma) your tank can hold and whether your planned tankmates are compatible — it's anchored to your net water volume and footprint.

Figures are conservative hobby-consensus estimates for planning. Individual fish vary — always research a species and watch how yours behave.

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