Umbrella dwarf cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Paraguay River and Paraná River basin (Mato Grosso, northern Argentina). Mainly inhabits cold marginal areas covered by dense aquatic vegetation (such as water hyacinth) or seasonally flooded.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Borell's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii / Synonym: A. reitzigi). Dwarf cichlid with a stocky and compact body. Famous for the impressive and disproportionate sail of the dorsal fin of adult males, which can exceed the body itself in height.

Social Behavior: Known as one of the mildest and most peaceful Apistogrammas. Its introverted nature allows it to be kept in small groups even in non-enormous tanks, since male skirmishes are mere displays with flattened fins without real bites.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The male boasts a magnificent golden-yellow or opaline-blue livery ("Opal" morph) with elaborate tangles of red, black or light blue lines on the cheeks ("worm-lines"). Females much smaller and roundish, bright yellow with clearly evident central black spots when breeding.

Aquarium Setup: Tank for a pair even of just 60 cm (24 inches). Obligation of fine sand to sift and extreme richness of hiding places (smooth rocks, coconut tubes, thick thickets of Cryptocoryne). The addition of floating plants instills security against strong light.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore / Benthic micro-predator. To be scrupulously fed with live or frozen white worms, brine shrimp, daphnia and nauplii. Rarely integrable with a very soft sinking specific pellet.

Water Quality: A miracle of hardiness. Easily tolerates hard tap water (up to 15 GH and pH 8.0) and thrives in unheated sub-tropical waters (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Not to be kept permanently at 28°C (82°F) or it will prematurely decay due to hyper-metabolism.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Unsuitable for rowdy tanks. Cohabits perfectly with Endler Guppies, calm Tetras, Minor Tetras and Dwarf Corydoras. If oppressed by large and lively Loricariids or Botias, it will stop feeding and will waste away holed up.

Aquarium Reproduction: Excellent for beginners. Chooses a tiny den, the female (yellow and black, super-aggressive in this phase) triggers the exclusive care. Numerous broods; the fry devour nauplii from the first day of swimming.

Risks and Diseases: An incorrect diet of "dry industrial flakes only" will generate Bloat problems or the total regression of the growth of the portentous dorsal fin in young males.