Fish comparison
Umbrella Cichlid vs Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
How the Umbrella Cichlid and Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Umbrella Cichlid vs Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
The Umbrella Cichlid and the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid are close cousins, both in the Apistogramma group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Umbrella Cichlid is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid rewards a bit more attention. For a calm community the gentler Umbrella Cichlid slots in more easily.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Umbrella Cichlid20–26 °C
- Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid24–28 °C
pH
- Umbrella Cichlid6–7.5
- Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Umbrella Cichlid1–12 dGH
- Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishUmbrella CichlidApistogramma borellii |  FishCockatoo Dwarf CichlidApistogramma cacatuoides |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Paraguay and southern Brazil | Upper Amazon basin, Peru & Brazil |
| Family | Cichlidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C | 24–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–12 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low | Low |
| Min tank | 75 L | 75 L (pair) |
| Adult size | 5–7 cm | 6–8 cm (male), 4–5 cm (female) |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 yrs | 3–5 yrs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
| Water column | Bottom to mid | Mid to Bottom |
| Schooling | Pair or harem | Harem (1 male, 2–3 females) |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Adults only | Risky with dwarf shrimp |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Umbrella Cichlid and Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Umbrella Cichlid or the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid?
The Umbrella Cichlid is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Umbrella Cichlid and Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Umbrella Cichlid and the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid?
Temperament is the big one. The Umbrella Cichlid is peaceful and the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is territorial when breeding, which changes who you can house them with.