Care
In the wild, Apistogramma borelli inhabit slow-moving shallow creeks and tributaries of the Rio Paraguay and the lower Rio Parana basins, and in many places the substrate is composed of leaf litter. This dwarf cichlid is most noted for its striking colour formations, particularly in the male fish; the front end of the body is predominantly golden yellow, the flanks and posterior of the body with striking metallic powder blue undertones,and the fins gold-tipped. The home aquarium should contain soft, acidic water of cooler than average temperature (see above), and be well matured before these fishes are added. Ideally there will be dark substrate and dense planting, with plenty of hiding places/territories amongst rocks and bogwood. These fish are not fussy about the appearance of the decor, and clean, new terracotta flower pots and the like will be much appreciated. Floating plant cover could be used to help diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be beneficial to help create the favoured conditions, and be aware that the tank should have a tight fitting cover, as these fish can jump. A. borellii are generally peaceful, but can become rather territorial when breeding. Keep either a single pair, or in larger aquaria, one male with several females (which will form a harem). The females will seek out individual territories, hence the importance of many visual barriers within the tank. Good tankmates include Corydoras catfish, hatchetfish, pencilfish, small tetras, and suckermouth catfish. Like many of the Apistogramma species, A. borellii will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level. Regular partial water changes are an absolute must for the continued wellbeing of this species.
Several tank-bred colour varieties of A. borellii are available, such as Opal and Red Mask. Often seen on sale as the Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, smallfrozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enrichedbrineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
Successful breeding can be achieved in the home aquarium, although it is moderately difficult. The water should be very soft and acidic, and the temperature raised to the top end of their preferred range. Ideally, each female fish will be provided with a suitable spawning site in the form of a cave or flower pot on its side. Up to 70 eggs will be laid on the ceiling of the cave or pot, and these will be guarded by the female. The male fish will guard the general harem territory. The eggs should hatch after 2 to 4 days, depending on water temperature. The female continues guarding the wrigglers, and after a further few days, will lead the fry out of the cave. She will be very pugnacious at this point,f ending off any would-be predators. The fry will require frequent small feeds with appropriately sized foodstuffs at this point, such as baby brineshrimp. If the spawning has occurred in a general community tank, it is a good idea to feed the other fish their food at the opposite end of the aquarium at the same time, to avoid undue stress to the female, who will be desperately trying to guard her young. Sometimes the female will take the fry up in her mouth and move them to another area of the tank.
