{"product_id":"orange-flash-apistogramma","title":"Orange Flash Apistogramma","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.08em; color: #0a2a3a; border-bottom: 2px solid #3a7ca5; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-bottom: 18px; text-transform: uppercase;\"\u003eOrange Flash Apistogramma\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 16px; color: #2c2c2c;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eOrange Flash Apistogramma\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eApistogramma cacatuoides\u003c\/em\u003e) is a captive color strain characterized by intense, almost neon-bright orange coloration that flashes brilliantly when males display. The vivid orange extends across much of the body and fins, creating a fish that catches the eye immediately across the aquarium. \u003cem\u003eApistogramma cacatuoides\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 16px; background-color: #e0f0f8; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8; padding: 14px 18px; color: #0a2a3a;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Care Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always soak \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Vibra Bites\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. Orange Flash coloration is brightest during active male display — excellent lighting and dark substrate maximize the effect. For breeding conditioning, \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms\u003c\/strong\u003e fed 2–3 times per week reliably trigger spawning behavior and improve egg quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 16px; color: #2c2c2c;\"\u003eNative to slow-moving streams, oxbow lakes, and flooded forest areas of the upper Amazon basin in Peru and Colombia, \u003cem\u003eA. cacatuoides\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 16px; color: #2c2c2c;\"\u003eKeep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 24px; color: #2c2c2c;\"\u003eApistogrammas 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 style=\"font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #0a2a3a; border-top: 1px solid #b0d0e8; padding-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003eCare \u0026amp; Ideal Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.92em;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eEasy — Moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003ePeaceful — Dwarf Cichlid Community\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eMale Adult Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e3.5 inches (9 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eFemale Adult Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e1.75 inches (4.5 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eMin. Group Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e1 male with 2+ females; pairs fine in smaller tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eIdeal Temp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e75–82°F (24–28°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eIdeal pH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e6.0–7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eIdeal GH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eIdeal KH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003e1–6 dKH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eStaple Food\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets (soak before feeding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eTreat \/ Supplement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eHikari Frozen Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms (especially for breeding conditioning)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eUpper Amazon basin, Peru and Colombia (captive-bred color strain)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #0a2a3a; font-weight: 600; width: 38%; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8; vertical-align: top;\"\u003eNotes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 9px 14px; background-color: #e0f0f8; color: #2c2c2c; border: 1px solid #b0d0e8;\"\u003eBright orange captive strain. Orange coloration intensifies dramatically during male display behavior. 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.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Cuboid Nature Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Pair","offer_id":49581206339895,"sku":"Apistogramma cacatuoides","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Male","offer_id":49581206274359,"sku":"Apistogramma cacatuoides","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Female","offer_id":49581206307127,"sku":"Apistogramma cacatuoides","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/8748\/1655\/files\/cuboid-nature-aquarium-fish-pair-orange-flash-apistogramma-37876331610423.jpg?v=1778252915","url":"https:\/\/cuboidstore.com\/products\/orange-flash-apistogramma","provider":"Cuboid Aquatics LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}