Species profile
Apistogramma Borellii
Apistogramma borellii
Peaceful
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–7 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Temperature corrected downward; A. borellii is among the cooler-tolerant Apistogramma and should not be kept permanently at generic 28°C cichlid temperatures.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–25 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Usually one of the gentler Apistogramma, but breeding females become territorial.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Apistogramma borellii
Alternative names
Umbrella Cichlid, Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid
Native range
Paraguay River basin and adjacent southern South American drainages.
Natural habitat
Shallow, often cool seasonal waters. Provide sand, leaf litter, wood, dense cover and multiple caves with gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Small live/frozen invertebrates and quality micro-pellets; varied frozen foods are preferable to a dry-only diet.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger with extended fins and stronger blue/yellow colour; females turn bright yellow when brooding.
Breeding
Cave-spawning maternal brood care; females guard eggs/fry while males defend a broader territory.