Cacatuoides Mega Orange

Apistogramma Cacatuoides Mega Orange

A stunning and highly sought-after color morph of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, the Apistogramma cacatuoides Mega Orange is prized for its intense orange finnage and vibrant body coloration. Males develop spectacular extended dorsal and tail fins, making them a true centerpiece fish in any well-planned aquascape. Perfect for aquarists looking to add personality, color, and behavior to their freshwater aquarium.

Scientific Name: Apistogramma Cacatuoides
Adult Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (territorial, especially males)

Care & Compatibility

The Apistogramma cacatuoides Mega Orange thrives in a well-decorated, planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces such as caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation. A soft sand substrate is ideal, as these fish enjoy sifting and exploring the bottom of the tank. Water flow should be gentle to moderate, mimicking their natural slow-moving habitats.

They are best kept in peaceful community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates such as small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras catfish. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, so providing multiple hiding spots helps reduce aggression and stress.

Feeding

This species enjoys a varied, protein-rich diet. Offer high-quality micro pellets or cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. A diverse diet helps enhance their coloration and overall health.

A beautiful and unique addition for the freshwater aquarium, the Apistogramma Cacatuoides Mega Orange is a great choice for aquarists looking to add something special to their collection!