Borelli-Yellow Dwarf Cichlid

Yellow Borelli Dwarf Cichlid also known as the Umbrella Cichlid are a hardy and peaceful fish for the beginner.  Adult size: male: 6.5 cm female: 5 cm. They are great dwarf cichlids and are wonderful in a community tank and are rather peaceful. A tank with a half dozen or more colorful males will provide hours of visual enjoyment. Be aware though, if you want this type of multiple male display you must make sure that the tank is large enough and there is enough cover so that weaker fish can always escape. Also, this will usually work best if you have at least a half dozen males so the the aggression is spread throughout the tank.

The Borelli Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) is Native to southern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It occurs in creeks and tributaries of both the Rio Paraguay and lower Rio Paraná basins.

Behaviour

In their natural habitat, they are found in rivers situated in the middle of dense tropical forests and the river bottoms are littered with dried leaves and dead root. Due to its small size, this fish is vulnerable to predators and takes shelter in thick vegetation and in shelters formed by roots and leaves. The waters are also slightly acidic due to the tannins found in these leaves and roots.

Tank Conditions

This a small species and as such doesn’t require a very big tank. In fact, a single pair can be housed in a 40 litre tank. Larger groups will need a larger tank with groups of six being comfortable in a 120 litre tank or larger. The substrate has to be able to mimic this fish’s natural habitat. A soft sandy substrate with plenty of cover is what this fish really likes. The addition of leaf litter makes this fish feel right at home.

Its important to provide adequate cover and hiding spots such as ceramic flowerpots, lengths of plastic piping and other artificial materials are all useful additions. A more natural-looking arrangement might consist of a soft, sandy substrate with wood roots and branches placed such a way that plenty of shady spots and caves are formed.

The waters inhabited by this species naturally is quite dark due to the tannins from the leaves. That is why it tends to hide when the aquarium is lit up brightly. Subdued lighting is what works best for this fish. It also comes with the added benefit of bringing out the brilliant colors of this fish. Mimicking its natural environment by adding leaf litter is a great way to make them feel safe. Thickly planted parts around the corners of the tank with an open space in the middle are the best setup for this fish. Driftwood also helps and ornaments that provide hiding spots can also be added to give them a sense of security.

Filtration, or at least water flow, should not be very strong.

They tolerate most water conditions quite well but thrives in soft to very soft water conditions.

Compatibility

They are a peaceful fish and can be housed in community aquariums with the right kind of tankmates.  They would rather flee than confront other fish. In its natural habitat, it is quite low on the food chain and that is why this fish tends to hide in the presence of larger and even slightly aggressive fish. The males do show aggressiveness towards each other and any group of umbrella cichlids less than six in number should only have one male in the group. As long as this criterion is met, the umbrella cichlid is a rather docile fish and can be housed with other fish that have a similar disposition and do not grow too big.

Docile fish that stay smaller than 7 cm are the best tankmates for the umbrella cichlid. This includes fishes like most tetras, Corydoras, Chinese algae eaters and Plecos. Avoid housing them with fin-nippers and other larger cichlids. Also, as we mentioned earlier, keep only one male for every five females. When housing more than one male, it is important to give them plenty of space and hiding spots while maintaining the ratio of males to females to avoid unnecessary aggression. Other dwarf South American cichlids with similar temperaments are also good choices provided the tank is big enough.

Fish Compatibility Chart

Feeding

The umbrella cichlid in their natural habitat feeds on crustaceans and small worms. In the aquarium, most of them will readily accept dried food with pellets being the preferred type. Their diet should be supplemented by live and frozen food like bloodworms to keep them healthy.  Also colour enhancing foods will help maintain their colours.

Care

Even though this a rather hardy fish and species of this fish have been found in the wild in waters with temperatures as low as 6 °C, this fish needs certain conditions to do well as described here.  Like most South African Cichlids, the umbrella cichlid is sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. So the water should be changed periodically without fail. Apart from that, this is quite a hardy fish. It can tolerate pH levels all the way from 5.8 to 8.0 but does really well in slightly acidic water with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. Temperatures should be between 20 °C and 26 °C. It is quite tolerant of hardness but does best when kept in slightly hard to moderately hard water.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.