Photo: Dornenwolf ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/gartenfreuden/ ), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Umbrella dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
6.5 cm
Adult size
50 L
Minimum volume
2
Minimum group
5 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Apistogramma
- Diet
- carnivore
- Social life
- pair
In the wild
Overview
Described in 1906 by Regan, this small Apistogramma from southern South America is one of the easiest in the genus. Several coloured forms have been bred for the hobby.
- Scientific name
- Apistogramma borellii (Regan, 1906)
- Classification
- Cichliformes › Cichlidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Paraguay and lower Paraná basins (southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It inhabits the creeks and small tributaries of the Paraguay and lower Paraná basins, down to the Uruguay system.
Behaviour
Territorial like all dwarf cichlids, it is kept as a pair, with small, peaceful midwater fish and no other Apistogramma. The female lays her eggs on the ceiling of a cave and guards them. Mostly carnivorous, it needs live or frozen prey; it likes water a little cooler than most Apistogramma.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth