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Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange" 5cm

$2199 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: 400000018393

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  • We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
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Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange" 5cm

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

  • Minimum Tank Size:
    • Breeding pair: 10–15 gallons
    • Community setup: 20–30 gallons
  • Layout:
    • Sandy substrate
    • Dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter
    • Multiple caves for hiding and spawning
  • 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
  • Best Foods:
    • Live/frozen: Baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, glass worms
    • High-quality sinking pellets and flakes as supplements
  • 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
  • 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

  • Setup:
    • Dedicated breeding tank (10–20 gallons)
    • Provide caves (coconut shells, clay pots)
    • Maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5)
  • Behavior:
    • Female guards eggs and fry; male defends territory
  • 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
  • Category
    Cichlids
  • Species Type
    Dwarf Cichlid
  • Water Temperature
    75°F to 82°F
  • Minimum Tank Size
    20 Gallons
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Driftwood, Hiding Spots, Planted Tanks, Rocky Tanks
  • Behaviour
    Semi-aggressive, Community Fish

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Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange" | Cichlids Badis & Gouramis | Largest Tropical Fish Selection at Your Local Fish Store
Danshuiyu Indonesia

Apistogramma Cacatuoides "Mega Orange" 5cm

$2199 CAD

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

  • Minimum Tank Size:
    • Breeding pair: 10–15 gallons
    • Community setup: 20–30 gallons
  • Layout:
    • Sandy substrate
    • Dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter
    • Multiple caves for hiding and spawning
  • 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
  • Best Foods:
    • Live/frozen: Baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, glass worms
    • High-quality sinking pellets and flakes as supplements
  • 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
  • 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

  • Setup:
    • Dedicated breeding tank (10–20 gallons)
    • Provide caves (coconut shells, clay pots)
    • Maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5)
  • Behavior:
    • Female guards eggs and fry; male defends territory
  • 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.

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