Apistogramma cacatuoides Orange flash large sized ( 2.5 inch sized 1 fish)

The Apistogramma cacatuoides “Orange Flash” is a popular species of dwarf cichlid known for its vibrant colors and striking fin shape, resembling a cockatoo’s crest. The “Orange Flash” variety stands out for its bright orange fin coloration, particularly on the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.

Here’s a general overview of its key features, focusing on larger adult specimens:

Appearance:

• Size: Adult males can grow up to 3-3.5 inches (7.5-9 cm), while females tend to stay smaller, around 2 inches (5 cm).
• Coloration: Males have a vivid orange hue in the fins, with a mix of blue, yellow, and orange across the body. Females are generally more subdued in coloration, often showing yellow tones.
• Fins: Males typically have longer, more flowing dorsal and tail fins, especially with the “cockatoo” crest on their dorsal fin, which gives them a distinctive look.

Habitat and Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: For a pair or trio, a 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is recommended, with lots of plants and hiding spots like caves or rocks.
• Water Conditions: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.0) and soft to moderately hard water. The temperature should be maintained between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• Behavior: Apistogramma cacatuoides are relatively peaceful but can show territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Males may become more aggressive toward other males.

Diet:

• They are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, live or frozen food like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.

Breeding:

• Breeding Behavior: They are cave breeders, with females taking care of the eggs and fry. Males defend a larger territory and may guard multiple females in different breeding caves.

In a community tank, they are best kept with other peaceful fish that are not small enough to be considered prey but also not large enough to bully them.