Apistogramma cacatuoides super red Care Guide

Apistogramma cacatuoides super red is a selectively bred colour form of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, prized for its intense red-orange markings and dramatic finnage. Males typically display an elongated dorsal fin with pointed rays, while the body may show strong red, orange, yellow and black patterning. Females are smaller and often develop a rich yellow breeding colour.This species is a small but characterful dwarf cichlid with a distinct personality. It spends much of its time close to the substrate, exploring cover, investigating crevices and defending a small territory, particularly when pairing or spawning. Despite its size, it can be assertive toward rival dwarf cichlids and other bottom-dwelling fish.Wild Apistogramma cacatuoides originates from the upper Amazon region of South America, especially slow-moving tributaries, forest streams and shallow backwaters. These habitats often contain leaf litter, submerged roots and broken shade, creating a complex underwater landscape with soft, stained water.The super red form is a captive-bred strain rather than a distinct wild species, developed to intensify the red coloration already present in the nominate form. Like other Apistogramma, it is a cave-spawning cichlid in which the female commonly guards eggs and young while the male patrols the surrounding territory.