Double Red Apisto (Apistogramma cacatuoides) Pair

Common Name

Apistogramma cacatuoides “Double Red”

Origin and Habitat

Wild A. cacatuoides come from the upper Amazon basin in Peru and adjacent Bolivia, living in slow tributaries, forest streams, and flooded margins with leaf litter, tangled roots, and plenty of cover. Water is usually warm and clean with gentle flow. Unlike many Apistos, this species tolerates a bit more mineral content in the wild and adapts readily in aquaria. The Double Red is a line-bred morph selected for bright red in both the dorsal and caudal fins.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred temperature is 76 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). Wild pH ranges from mildly acidic to near neutral. In captivity, stability matters more than chasing a specific number, except when fine-tuning for a breeding project. Provide soft to moderate hardness, gentle filtration with high oxygen, and a calm surface. Leaf litter, wood, and botanicals help create microhabitats and comfort.

Appearance and Size

Males carry elongated dorsal and anal fins, a bold mask, and the signature double red in both dorsal and tail. Females are smaller with a compact shape and a rich golden brood dress when guarding, often showing a black lateral band and a dark spot in the dorsal.

• Adult males: about 7–8 cm (2.75–3.25 inches)
• Females: about 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

Diet in the Wild

A micro predator that picks at insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates among leaf litter and roots.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer a quality micro pellet and fine granules as the staple, then layer in live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and chopped blackworms. Rotate items for color and condition. Feed modest portions twice daily so food never sinks into caves or leaf litter.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Generally peaceful but territorial during breeding.

• A 20 gallon long is a good footprint for a pair; larger tanks support a harem arrangement.
• Use fine sand, leaf litter, driftwood, and multiple caves (coconut huts, small flowerpots on their sides, or tight rock crevices).
• Provide sight breaks so fish can pass without constant contact.
• Good neighbors: calm midwater tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small rasboras, and gentle catfish.
• Avoid boisterous species and known fin nippers.

Breeding

Conditioning and pairing: Start with a conditioned pair or one male with two females in a larger tank. Feed small live and frozen foods daily and keep water very clean. Many breeders see higher success in soft, slightly acidic water for the egg and fry stages.

Caves and territory: Offer several snug caves with small entrances, each facing different directions. Place caves near leaf litter and under wood to create privacy. The female chooses a cave and invites the male during courtship.

Spawning and eggs: The female lays an adhesive clutch on the cave roof or wall. After the male fertilizes the eggs he patrols the territory while the female guards the cave. Keep flow gentle and oxygen high. The female fans the eggs constantly.

Hatching timeline: At warm temperatures, eggs typically hatch in a few days. Larvae remain in the cave while they absorb their yolk, then the female leads free-swimming fry in a tight school near cover.

Raising fry: Begin with infusoria or cultured Paramecium if needed, then move quickly to newly hatched brine shrimp and fine powdered fry foods. Feed tiny portions several times daily. Perform small daily water changes with matching water and maintain steady temperature. Removing aggressive tank mates during the first weeks can improve survival.

Managing a harem: In larger tanks, provide three or more caves spread widely so females do not compete. Staggered spawns are common. Use plant thickets and wood to break sight lines and reduce stress.

Keeping color strong: Select breeders that show clean, bright red in both dorsal and tail, even fin edges, straight spines, and confident behavior. Avoid crossing Double Red with other morphs if you want to preserve the look.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
• Common name: Apistogramma “Double Red”
• Origin: upper Amazon basin tributaries, Peru and Bolivia, domestic morph in the trade
• Adult size: males about 7–8 cm, females about 5–6 cm
• Temperature: 76–80 °F preferred
• Wild pH: mildly acidic to near neutral; stability in captivity is most important
• Temperament: generally peaceful dwarf cichlid, territorial when breeding
• Diet: micro predator, takes quality prepared foods with live and frozen supplements
• Breeding type: cave spawner with strong maternal care, male defends the territory

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

A great first Apisto and a showstopper when the double red fins are flared. Give them soft sand, tight caves, and steady conditions, and you will see courtship, guarding, and fry herding that make this species a joy to watch. If you plan to keep a harem, go wider on the tank, scatter the caves, and let leaf litter and wood create natural borders.