Borelli Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii ) Pair 1m,1F

The Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is a stunning addition to any aquarium, featuring an iridescent body, vibrant yellow hues, and a signature flowing dorsal fin. This variety of Apistogramma borellii is tank-bred, making it hardy and well-suited for home aquariums. Known for its peaceful temperament, it’s an excellent choice for community tanks or as the centerpiece in a carefully aquascaped setup.

(We do our best to send true males and females, but due to the nature of Apistogrammas, we can't fully guarantee the genders.)

What We Love About This Fish:

• Iridescent Beauty: Displays shimmering tones with yellow and blue highlights.
• Peaceful Nature: An ideal dwarf cichlid for community tanks with compatible species.
• Intriguing Behavior: Engages in fascinating interactions, especially during breeding.
• Adaptable to Aquascapes: Thrives in both planted tanks and natural setups.

Natural Habitat:

Native to the calm, slow-moving waters of Paraguay and southern Brazil, Apistogramma borellii inhabits areas with dense aquatic vegetation, leaf litter, and sandy substrates. These waters are typically soft and slightly acidic, with a warm and stable temperature range.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Best suited to tanks with species like Amazon Swords, Cryptocorynes, Java Ferns, and floating plants for shade.
• Hardscape: Include driftwood, leaf litter, and small caves or shelters like coconut huts for breeding or hiding.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or alder cones help replicate their natural habitat, releasing beneficial tannins and creating a slightly acidic environment.

Diet and Feeding:

The Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is omnivorous and thrives on a varied diet, including:
• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
• High-quality pellet or flake foods designed for cichlids.
• Occasional treats of blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach to add variety.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These peaceful dwarf cichlids do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include:
• Small schooling fish like neon tetras or pencilfish.
• Corydoras catfish or small plecos.
Avoid larger or aggressive tankmates, as well as other cichlid species in smaller setups.

Breeding:

Breeding the Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is an exciting experience in a well-prepared setup:
• Provide soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Offer small structures like ceramic breeding huts, caves, or coconut shells for the female to lay eggs. These structures mimic their natural hiding spots and create a secure environment for spawning.
• Males display vivid coloration during courtship to attract females.
• After spawning, the female typically guards the eggs while the male protects the surrounding territory.
• Fry can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp or powdered fry food once they become free-swimming.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 75° - 82°F (24° - 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 1 - 6
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Feed a varied diet of live, frozen, and prepared foods to maintain health and coloration.
• Social Behavior: Best kept in pairs or harems (1 male, multiple females). Males can be territorial with other males in smaller tanks.
• Origin: Tank-bred by professional breeders, ensuring adaptability to home aquariums.
• Average Adult Size: 2.5 - 3 inches (6.5 - 7.5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 - 2 inches (4 - 5 cm)