What size tank do cockatoo dwarf cichlids need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides.
How many cockatoo dwarf cichlids in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if cockatoo dwarf cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many cockatoo dwarf cichlids |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | 2 |
| 29 gallon | 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 2 |
| 55 gallon | up to 4 |
| 75 gallon | up to 6 |
| 125 gallon | up to 12 |
Check cockatoo dwarf cichlids against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.
Tank mates for cockatoo dwarf cichlids
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Cherry barb
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat cockatoo dwarf cichlid (about 3.1 in).
- Molly: They need different water: Cockatoo dwarf cichlid likes a pH of 6–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do cockatoo dwarf cichlids need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many cockatoo dwarf cichlids should be kept together?
At least 2. Cockatoo dwarf cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can cockatoo dwarf cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Cockatoo dwarf cichlid needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do cockatoo dwarf cichlids need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 6–7.8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can cockatoo dwarf cichlids live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.