Apistogramma borelli

The umbrella dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) comes from the Paraguay and Paraná drainages, further south than most of the genus, and that southern origin is why it copes with cooler water than its Amazonian relatives. Males show yellow through the body with blue washing across the face and throat; the Opal line is selected for that colouring. It is a genuine dwarf, with males staying small and females smaller again.

Aquarium care

• Tolerates a wider temperature range than most Apistogramma, including cooler room-temperature tanks.
• Not demanding about water chemistry, but does want it clean and stable.
• Sand substrate, wood, leaf litter and small caves to occupy.
• Peaceful for a cichlid; suits a pair or one male with two or three females.
• Gentle flow and subdued light, with plants breaking up the floor space.
• Takes small frozen and live foods alongside a good dry food.

One of the easier dwarf cichlids to start with, and a reasonable choice for a modest community tank of small, calm fish. Keep it away from large or pushy cichlids, which will take the caves and the food.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the dwarf cichlid collection for availability.