Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid Care
Apistogramma borellii
Borelli's dwarf cichlid is a South American cave-spawning fish that remains relatively small but can become clearly territorial when breeding. Give a pair a sandy base, several shelters and gentle flow. In a small tank, a guarding female may aggressively drive off the male, so layout and a plan to separate fish matter. For a community aquarium, captive-raised fish are the preferred choice, and tankmates still need careful selection. Broad water ranges are not a reason to permit sudden fluctuations.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 5.0–8.0
- GH
- 1–15 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 45 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 41 L
- Adult size
- Up to 6.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Territorial
About this species
Apistogramma borellii Regan, 1906 belongs to Cichlidae. It occurs in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, in streams and tributaries of the Paraguay, lower Paraná and Uruguay systems. Common names include Borelli’s, umbrella and yellow dwarf cichlid. Older literature uses several synonyms, so check the scientific name.
Natural habitat
The species inhabits small watercourses and tributaries in southern South America. In aquaria, a soft substrate, wood, shade and caves are useful. Leaf litter can provide cover and biofilm. A naturalistic layout is optional, but clear shelters and visual barriers help manage territorial interactions.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a 45 × 30 cm footprint and about 41 litres for one pair; a group needs substantially more space. Use sand, wood roots and several caves or hollow shelters. Plants such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, Cryptocoryne and Anubias suit subdued light. Keep flow gentle. The specialist profile recommends modest weekly water changes for lightly stocked tanks rather than very large changes. Ensure a guarding female cannot dominate every refuge.
Water conditions
The aquarium profile gives 20–26 °C, pH 5.0–8.0 and 1–15 dGH. These are broad limits; wild populations may have more specific conditions by locality. Choose stable values suited to the fish’s origin and avoid rapid adjustment. Captive-raised fish are generally the more prudent choice for a community tank.
Behaviour and group size
A captive-raised pair may suit a carefully planned community, but this is not an automatic community fish. Wild specimens are better kept alone or with small upper-water fishes. During brood care the female may become highly aggressive toward the male. Provide several caves and visual barriers, and keep a separation option available. Shrimp and other bottom-dwellers are not automatically safe companions.
Feeding
Borelli’s dwarf cichlid is primarily carnivorous and feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates in nature. Offer varied live or frozen foods such as suitable Artemia, Daphnia and mosquito larvae. Many fish can also learn dried foods, with pellets often accepted more readily than flakes. Ensure both partners receive enough food, especially when the female is guarding a territory.
Breeding
The species lays eggs in a cave or crevice among the décor. The female cares for the eggs and fry and may aggressively chase the male, especially in a small aquarium. Provide multiple shelters, visual barriers and enough space. Have a safe separation option ready. Clutch size and hatch timing are not asserted here without reliable species-specific support.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .