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 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 sail of the dorsal fin of adult males, which exceeds the body in height.

Social Behavior: One of the most peaceful Apistogrammas. Its introverted nature allows it to be kept in small groups even in contained tanks; male disputes are limited to wonderful ritual displays.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Golden-yellow or opaline-blue male ("Opal" morph) with elaborate red/blue lines on the snout. Small and roundish females, they become bright yellow with distinctive dark spots during reproduction.

Aquarium Setup: A 60 cm (24 inches) tank is sufficient for the pair. Essential fine sand (sugar-size) to sift and numerous hiding places in coconut shells, dead leaves and thick shading vegetation.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Requires an invertebrate-based menu: brine shrimp, nauplii, daphnia and bloodworms. Dry foods are barely accepted or cause, in the long run, immune deficiencies.

Water Quality: Very adaptable and hardy. Tolerates alkaline values and medium-high hardness, but requires cooler temperatures than its Amazonian cousins (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Prolonged exposure to 28-30°C (82-86°F) reduces life expectancy.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Shy fish for a peaceful community. Lives great with microrasboras, otocinclus and small tetras. Turbulent fish or large bottom predators push it into perennial reclusion.

Aquarium Reproduction: Cave spawner, relatively easy to breed. The yellow-black female becomes formidable in protecting the offspring. The fry devour nauplii as soon as the yolk sac is absorbed.

Risks and Diseases: Very robust, but susceptible to Bloat (intestinal blockage) if fed with non pre-softened dry food. Regular water changes remain the best prophylaxis against head pore ulcers.