Super Red ApistogrammaThe Super Red Apistogramma (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a highly developed captive color strain selectively bred to maximize red pigmentation. Males develop an intensely saturated red body and fins — a deeper, more uniform red than the standard wild-type coloration. The cockatoo dorsal crest is retained in full. Apistogramma cacatuoides is one of the most popular and widely kept dwarf cichlids in the hobby, and deservedly so. Males are among the most spectacular small cichlids available — the extended, multi-rayed dorsal fin, bold coloration, and constant display behavior combine to make this an endlessly watchable fish.Feeding & Care Tip: Always soak Hikari Micro Pellets in a small cup of tank water for 30–60 seconds before feeding — Apistogrammas can be prone to bloat from dry foods expanding in the gut. Hikari Vibra Bites are an excellent treat option; the sinking worm-like shape triggers the natural hunting instinct of these micro-predators and they will snap them up eagerly. Super Red coloration — intensely saturated red body — is most vivid in soft, slightly acidic water. Poor water quality causes rapid color fading. For breeding conditioning, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms fed 2–3 times per week reliably trigger spawning behavior and improve egg quality.Native to slow-moving streams, oxbow lakes, and flooded forest areas of the upper Amazon basin in Peru and Colombia, A. cacatuoides inhabits shallow, warm, slightly acidic water with abundant leaf litter and woody debris. It is notably more adaptable to varied water conditions than many Apistogramma species, making it one of the best choices for aquarists new to dwarf cichlids.Keep one male with two or more females — Apistogramma cacatuoides is a harem-forming species in the wild, and a male kept with multiple females shows his best color and most active behavior. Males are territorial with each other but completely peaceful with unrelated species. Excellent tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras. The male's spectacular fin extensions and constant display behavior make this one of the most entertaining dwarf cichlids in the hobby.Apistogrammas are cave-spawning dwarf cichlids. The female takes on all parental duties — she guards the eggs and fry aggressively while her body turns bright canary yellow as a warning signal. Males should be watched during this period as females may attack them to protect the spawn; providing sight-breaks with plants and décor helps reduce tension. Coconut caves, clay pots, or driftwood crevices all make excellent spawning sites. Fry are initially tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp for their first meals.Care & Ideal Parameters Difficulty Easy — Moderate Temperament Peaceful — Dwarf Cichlid Community Male Adult Size 3.5 inches (9 cm) Female Adult Size 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) Min. Group Size 1 male with 2+ females; pairs fine in smaller tanks Ideal Temp 75–82°F (24–28°C) Ideal pH 6.0–7.0 Ideal GH 2–12 dGH Ideal KH 1–6 dKH Staple Food Hikari Micro Pellets (soak before feeding) Treat / Supplement Hikari Frozen Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms (especially for breeding conditioning) Origin Upper Amazon basin, Peru and Colombia (captive-bred color strain) Notes Highly developed red captive strain. Deepest red of the cacatuoides color forms. Color sensitive to water quality — maintain pristine conditions. Hardy and adaptable for a dwarf cichlid. Excellent first apisto. Cave spawner — female turns yellow when guarding eggs. Soak pellets before feeding to prevent bloat.
