Apistogramma cacatuoides "Orange Flash" (Apistogramma cacatuoides)
The Apistogramma cacatuoides "Orange Flash" is a spectacular dwarf cichlid that brings bold color and captivating personality to planted freshwater aquariums. This selectively bred variety of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is renowned for its brilliant orange dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, paired with a shimmering blue-gray body and vibrant facial markings. Small in size but full of character, the Orange Flash is a favorite among aquascapers and cichlid enthusiasts alike.
Native to the tributaries of the Amazon Basin in Peru and Brazil, Apistogramma cacatuoides inhabits slow-moving streams filled with leaf litter, driftwood, and dense vegetation. In the aquarium, these fish thrive in heavily planted setups with caves, rockwork, and natural hiding places that allow them to establish territories and exhibit their fascinating natural behaviors. Males display their brightest colors while courting females and defending their chosen territory.
Orange Flash Apistogrammas prefer clean, stable water with gentle flow and benefit from a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other protein-rich foods. They are hardy compared to many other dwarf cichlids and adapt well to established community aquariums with peaceful tank mates.
While generally peaceful, males may become territorial toward other dwarf cichlids, especially during breeding. They pair well with small schooling fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, and Corydoras, making them an excellent centerpiece for planted South American-style aquariums.
Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Common Name: Orange Flash Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: Up to 3.5 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Origin: Peru & Brazil, Amazon Basin
If you're looking for a brilliantly colored dwarf cichlid with engaging behavior and excellent compatibility for planted aquariums, the Apistogramma cacatuoides "Orange Flash" is an outstanding choice. Its vivid orange finnage, hardy nature, and interactive personality make it one of the most desirable Apistogramma varieties in the aquarium hobby.
