Care
In the wild,
Apistogramma borelli inhabit
slow-moving shallow creeks and tributaries of the Rio Paraguay and the lower
Rio Paraná 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 décor, 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, small
frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched
brineshrimp 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,
fending 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.
