Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange"
Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange" is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
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Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange"
Description
Description
Apistogramma cacatuoides “Mega Orange”, one of the most striking color morphs of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid:
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
- Common Name: Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Mega Orange strain)
- Origin: Amazon Basin (Peru, Colombia, Brazil)
- Adult Size: Males ~3 in (7.5 cm), Females ~2 in (5 cm)
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial during breeding
- Care Level: Moderate (best for intermediate aquarists)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size:
- Breeding pair: 10–15 gallons
- Community setup: 20–30 gallons
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Layout:
- Sandy substrate
- Dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter
- Multiple caves for hiding and spawning
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: Soft water preferred (GH 3–6, KH 0–2)
- TDS: 100–150 ppm
- Filtration: Gentle flow, high oxygenation
- Lighting: Subdued, to mimic shaded Amazon streams
Diet & Feeding
- Type: Carnivorous micropredator
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Best Foods:
- Live/frozen: Baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, glass worms
- High-quality sinking pellets and flakes as supplements
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Feeding Tips:
- Offer small, frequent meals
- Mix live and prepared foods for color enhancement and health
Behavior & Compatibility
- Tank Zone: Bottom to mid-level
- Personality: Curious, interactive, but territorial during spawning
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Good Tank Mates:
- Peaceful mid/upper swimmers: Neon/Cardinal Tetras, Rasboras, Pencilfish
- Bottom dwellers: Corydoras, Otocinclus (avoid other territorial cichlids)
- Avoid: Large/aggressive fish or other bottom dwellers competing for caves
Breeding Tips
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Setup:
- Dedicated breeding tank (10–20 gallons)
- Provide caves (coconut shells, clay pots)
- Maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5)
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Behavior:
- Female guards eggs and fry; male defends territory
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Fry Care:
- Feed baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food
- Keep water clean and stable
Why “Mega Orange”?
This selectively bred strain features intense orange coloration on dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, often bleeding into the body, making it a centerpiece fish for planted aquariums.
Specifications
Specifications
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CategoryCichlids
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Species TypeDwarf Cichlid
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Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size20 Gallons
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Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
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Habitat PreferenceDriftwood, Hiding Spots, Planted Tanks, Rocky Tanks
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BehaviourSemi-aggressive, Community Fish
Payment & Security
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