Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii)

There are over 90 recognized species of dwarf cichlids in the genus Apistogramma, but the vast majority of this biodiversity is either unavailable to aquarists or only encountered among specialist breeders. Just a handful of these fishes offer the right combination of beauty, heartiness, and a willingness to breed in captivity to be commercially viable.

Apistogramma borellii is commonly referred to as the Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid and is named after Dr. Alfredo Borelli, who went on several collection trips throughout South America in the late 19th century and collected the first specimens of this fish from the Rio Paraguay in Brazil’s Mato Grosso. The species is widespread in Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina. In fact, this is one of the most southerly members of its genus. It has been reported in water temperatures as low as 44℉ and will thrive at room temperature, though it also does fine in the sort of tropical temperature that most apistos favor. A wide variety of water conditions occur within its range, but aquarium strains have a wide tolerance for pH and hardness values. Breeding, however, often requires softer conditions.

Males can be highly variable in coloration depending on their origins, with some being more yellow or blue. Wild-type strains are less commonly encountered and typically come in more muted patterns relative to those produced commercially. Females are less ostentatious in their appearance and fin morphology, and they generally keep the dark stripe common to juveniles, though specimens ready to spawn will turn a bright yellow.

Smaller fish tanks are best suited to housing a single male specimen or pair of this species, as multiple males will tend to get rowdy amongst themselves. A diet heavy in meaty foods like bloodworms and blackworms will encourage spawning, with eggs being laid in crevices and the fry guarded by the female. Slow, almost stagnant, water flow is favored, as this mimics the natural habitat favored by apistos. Most breeders rely only on sponge filters to accomplish this gentle water movement. Aquatic plants, dead leaves, and driftwood are the ideal decorations.

Given their small size and relatively peaceful demeanor, Apistogramma are best kept in a placid community aquarium. For a Rio Paraguay biotope, try mixing them with a group of Black Neon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), Serpae Tetras (Hyphessobrycon eques), Tail-spot Pygmy Cory (Corydoras hastatus), Bronze Cory (Corydoras aeneus), and perhaps the Paraguay Eartheater (Gymnogeophagus balzanii).