Fish

Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma borellii

IntermediateFreshwater

Origin: South America — Rio Paraguay basin and lower Rio Paraná in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay

Also known as: Umbrella Cichlid, Yellow Dwarf Cichlid, Borelli's Apistogramma

Fact sheet

Size: 7 cm
Lifespan: 5 years
Minimum tank size: 60 L
Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness GH: 2–12 °dH
Hardness KH: 0–5 °dH
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Social behavior: Harem
Swimming zone: Bottom
Diet: Carnivore
Jumps out: No
Eats plants: No

Varieties

Overview

Apistogramma borellii is a small, peaceful dwarf cichlid from South America that has long been a favorite in the aquarium hobby. First described by Regan in 1906, this species inhabits slow-moving shallow creeks, tributaries, and flooded areas with dense vegetation and soft, acidic water. Males display striking coloration with blue iridescent scales, yellow highlights, and elaborately patterned fins, making them among the most visually captivating of the dwarf cichlids. The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, with males reaching up to 7 cm while females remain smaller at about 4–5 cm. Apistogramma borellii is known for its fascinating breeding behavior and parental care, with females fiercely protecting their eggs and fry in cave-like shelters. Its relatively tolerant water parameter range compared to other Apistogramma species makes it accessible to intermediate-level aquarists.

Appearance

Males of Apistogramma borellii display a yellowish-green base coloration with brilliant blue iridescent scales across the body, especially on the cheeks and flanks. The dorsal fin is tall and prominent, marked with blue and yellow tones, while the tail and other fins carry delicate colorful patterns. Females are significantly less colorful, generally tan or yellowish with faint markings and lacking the elaborate fin extensions seen in males. The overall body shape is stocky and slightly compressed laterally, typical of dwarf cichlids.

Care

Apistogramma borellii is best kept in an aquarium of at least 60 liters with a soft sandy substrate and abundant hiding spots created with caves, flower pots, driftwood, and dense vegetation. Water parameters should be maintained within pH 5.5–7.2, hardness up to 15 dH, and temperature 18–25°C, though the species tolerates a wider temperature range than many Apistogramma species. Regular partial water changes of 20–30% weekly are essential for maintaining water quality. The aquarium should have a tightly fitting lid as these fish can occasionally jump. Floating plants and subdued lighting help replicate the natural habitat and encourage natural behavior.

Feeding

Apistogramma borellii is an omnivore with a preference for protein-rich foods; in the wild it feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity it readily accepts high-quality flake food, micropellets, and small frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and daphnia. Varied feeding is important to maintain vibrant coloration and good health, with live or frozen foods offered at least several times per week. Overfeeding should be avoided as it can pollute the water and lead to health problems.

Compatibility

Apistogramma borellii is generally peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, corydoras catfish, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and peaceful small rasboras. However, during breeding the pair becomes territorial and will defend their spawning area aggressively. Males may fight with each other, so it is best to keep either a single pair or a harem of one male with two to three females in a larger tank. Avoid keeping with other bottom-dwelling cichlids that might compete for territory.

Breeding

Apistogramma borellii is a cave spawner; the female lays up to 70 eggs inside a small cave or flower pot, where she guards them closely while the male defends the surrounding territory. The eggs hatch within 2–4 days depending on water temperature, and the fry become free-swimming after a further 5–7 days. The female continues to care for the fry attentively, sometimes moving them to pre-prepared pits in the substrate. To induce breeding, slightly increase the temperature to 24–26°C and provide very soft, slightly acidic water. First foods for fry include infusoria, micro-worms, and freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii.

Fun facts

Apistogramma borellii is one of the few Apistogramma species that tolerates cooler water temperatures, sometimes as low as 15°C, making it suitable for unheated aquariums in temperate climates. The species has several recognized color variants, including the 'Opal' morph selectively bred by East German aquarists in the 1960s that disappeared from the hobby for a time before being recreated. The name 'borellii' honors Italian naturalist Alfredo Borelli, who collected specimens in the Paraguayan Chaco in the late 19th century.