Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma borelli
£15.00
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Description
Species Care Guide: Umbrella Cichlid
Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid / Reitzigi Dwarf Cichlid)
The Umbrella Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) is a small, peaceful, and visually striking dwarf cichlid native to the Paraná River basin in South America, spanning parts of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Males develop beautiful iridescent blue and yellow colouration, particularly when breeding, making them highly desirable for planted, blackwater, and South American community aquariums.
I. General Characteristics and Sizing
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Umbrella Cichlid, Reitzigi Dwarf Cichlid |
| Origin | Paraná River basin (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina) |
| Adult Size | Males up to 7 cm (approx. 2.75 inches); Females are smaller (up to 4 cm). |
| Temperament | Peaceful but Territorial when breeding. Excellent for gentle community tanks. |
| Lifespan | 3 – 5 years with optimal care |
| Housing | Best kept as a single pair or a harem (one male with 2–3 females). |
II. Aquarium Requirements (Husbandry)
While small, A. borellii still requires a well-structured environment with clear territorial boundaries to ensure peace and encourage natural behaviour.
| Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Volume | 60 Litres (approx. 13 Imperial Gallons) for a single pair; 100 Litres (approx. 22 Imperial Gallons) for a small harem. |
| Filtration | Gentle but efficient filtration. Strong water flow should be avoided, as they prefer still or slow-moving water. A sponge filter or a baffled hang-on-back filter works well. |
| Lighting | Subdued or low lighting is highly recommended. Bright light causes shyness and stress. Use floating plants to help diffuse the intensity. |
| Substrate | Fine, smooth sand is mandatory. As cichlids, they enjoy sifting sand through their gills. Coarse gravel can injure them. |
| Decoration | Mandatory provision of caves for resting and spawning. Use coconut shells, small ceramic pots, or small piles of slate. Include driftwood and leaf litter (e.g., catappa leaves) to release beneficial tannins and mimic their blackwater habitat. |
III. Water Quality and Parameters
Like most Apistogramma, A. borellii thrives in soft, acidic water, which is crucial for health, colour, and especially breeding.
| Parameter | Optimal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 79°F) | Cooler temperatures are better tolerated than for many other Apistogramma species. |
| pH | 5.0 – 6.5 | Prefers soft and acidic water. Neutral pH (7.0) can be tolerated if hardness is low, but pH above 7.0 should be avoided. |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1 – 8 dGH (Very Soft to Soft) | Low mineral content is essential for long-term health and breeding success. |
| Maintenance | Regular, small (20%) weekly water changes using R.O. water mixed with tap water (if necessary) to maintain low hardness and low nitrate levels. |
IV. Diet and Nutrition
The Umbrella Cichlid is a micro-predator in the wild and requires a diet rich in protein to maintain its health and vibrant colour.
- Staple Diet: High-quality sinking micro-pellets or crushed flake food as a base.
- Meaty Foods: This is crucial. Offer daily servings of frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and grindal worms.
- Warning: They are picky eaters; avoid relying solely on dry foods, as a lack of live/frozen food will lead to muted colours and poor health.
V. Compatibility and Behaviour
These fish are among the more placid dwarf cichlids, making them ideal for the gentle community environment.
- Tank Mates: Excellent companions include small, peaceful, mid-water shoaling fish that will not compete for caves or food, such as Cardinal Tetras, Ember Tetras, Pencilfish, and Corydoras Catfish.
- Avoid: Aggressive or fast-moving fish (like Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids) and fish that occupy the same bottom territory (e.g., many other Apistogramma species).
- Behaviour: They spend their time hovering near the substrate, sifting sand, and inspecting potential hiding spots. During spawning, the female will guard a cave, often turning bright yellow, while the male defends the immediate territory.
The Umbrella Cichlid is a magnificent species that truly flourishes when its need for pristine, soft, and acidic water, coupled with a high-protein diet, is met.
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Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.
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