
🐟 Fish · size Medium
Apistogramma cacatuoides
fish
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
3–8 ans
Energy
Moyen
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Faible
Apistogramma cacatuoides is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It was described by Dr. Jacobus Johannes Hoedeman in 1951. Like all species in this genus, it is considered a dwarf cichlid.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Modéré
Trainability
Faible
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Lifespan: 3 to 8 years on average, depending on maintenance and diet.
- 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day is sufficient.
- 4Minimal maintenance — low shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Apistogramma cacatuoides
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Apistogramma cacatuoides
Character
Daily temperament
Apistogramma cacatuoides is a polygamous fish very jealous of its territory; a male can have up to five females at the same time and will defend each one's territory. It is possible to maintain a trio in a tank of about a hundred liters, however in this configuration one of the two females may be brutalized by the other; in this case you can remove her and settle for a pair. A female can claim a territory of about thirty square centimeters; it is preferable to place roots, plants or any other decoration to clearly delimit territories. Dense vegetation is very appreciated. The Cockatoo Cichlid is an easy fish; it has no particular drawbacks, which makes it an ideal fish for beginners wanting to start breeding cichlids.
Physical
Breed standard
Its flanks are olive to greenish colored and each adorned with a dark horizontal stripe. During spawning, females take on a yellow color. Its fins are very developed. It owes its name to the shape of its highly developed dorsal fin resembling a cockatoo's crest. A thick black line connects the edge of the eye to the base of the tail. Another crosses obliquely across the cheek, starting below the eye and ending at the bottom of the cheek. The dorsal and caudal fins have red, orange or yellow ocelli on a black background depending on color varieties. The first rays of the dorsal are particularly developed and form a tuft. The caudal is lyre-shaped. The pelvic fins are yellow and blue, the pectoral fins are transparent yellow. The anal can take on the pattern of the dorsal and caudal. The colors and patterns of the coat can change according to situations. Unlike the female who has a very small mouth, the male's is very wide and thick. When he opens it, it is very impressive. He uses this strategy to impress intruders.
Living conditions
What living situation?
This fish is found in the Río Ucayali and a few of its small tributaries as well as in the Peruvian part of the Amazon (region of the city of Pucallpa). It lives in calm areas with weak current.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Apistogramma cacatuoides of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of apistogramma cacatuoides (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a apistogramma cacatuoides ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 3–8 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
Equivalent human age
52years
Mature
Metabolism slows down. Monitor weight and early signs of joint stiffness, and have teeth checked.
Estimate: Proportional estimate: a reference life expectancy of 5 years, scaled to an 80-year human life. No reference veterinary table exists for this species.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for fish
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- Pacific tunaModerate
- Copper sulphateModerate
- red meatModerate
- breadLow
Nutrition
Feed your pet well
It prefers live food, but accepts frozen or dry food as long as it is varied and of good quality.
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a apistogramma cacatuoides ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for fish. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
225 g
per day · 719 kcal
113 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 320 kcal/100g.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Apistogramma cacatuoides
How long does an Apistogramma cacatuoides live?+
Is Apistogramma cacatuoides suitable for beginners?+
What basic equipment should you prepare?+
If you like this fish
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Apistogramma cacatuoides.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.





