Umbrella Cichlid

About

Borelli's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) is one of the more adaptable members of a genus that contains around 70 described species, with plenty more still waiting to be formally named. Native to the Paraguay River basin and the lower Paraná in Argentina, this fish occupies a broader temperature range than most of its relatives, which makes it a somewhat more forgiving choice than the typical Apistogramma. Males are noticeably larger than females and develop the extended dorsal fin rays and richer coloration that make the genus so appealing. Numerous selectively bred ornamental forms have also appeared in the trade over the years, each with its own color variations. In the wild it picks through substrate hunting worms, small crustaceans, and insects, and aquarium specimens do best with a diet that reflects this. Captive-raised individuals tend to settle into a community setting reasonably well, while wild-caught fish are happier in a dedicated setup with small dither fish to help them feel secure. Mixing with other Apistogramma species is generally a bad idea. Breeding follows the typical cave-spawning pattern of the genus. Eggs get deposited on a ceiling surface inside a cavity, and the female takes sole charge of the clutch and fry. In tighter quarters, the male may need to be separated once she enters guard duty.