Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

scales

A small, slender cichlid with a laterally compressed body. Males develop elongated dorsal, pelvic and anal fins that often flow backwards. Females are smaller and less colourful.5

Personality what they are like

One of the quieter and least aggressive Apistogramma species. They are smart, inquisitive and generally peaceful, only becoming territorial and aggressive when breeding. Males may show some aggression towards each other, so a larger tank with plenty of hiding spots is recommended if keeping multiple males.54

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. They enjoy sifting through sand and exploring caves and crevices. Provide a tank with a sandy substrate, driftwood, rocks and plants to create hiding spots and break line of sight. Fairly dim lighting is recommended.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to moderate. Regular partial water changes of 10-15% weekly are adequate if the tank is lightly stocked. Use a soft, sandy substrate. Dried leaf litter (beech, oak or Indian almond leaves) can be added to simulate natural conditions and provide beneficial microbe colonies.35

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank size 15-20 gallons (55-75 litres) for a pair, larger for a group. Water temperature 20-26°C (68-79°F), pH 5.0-7.5, soft water with low TDS preferred. Tank-bred fish are more flexible. Provide caves (ceramic pots, plastic pipes, driftwood) and a sandy substrate. Filtration should not create strong flow. Not venomous, not protected, legal to keep in most countries.534

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Primarily carnivorous. In the wild they eat benthic invertebrates, worms, crustaceans and insects. In the aquarium offer high-quality pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and Artemia. Variety is key for optimal health and colour.234

Company who they like around

Can be kept in pairs or as a single male with two females (trio). They are generally compatible with other peaceful fish such as small tetras and Nannostomus species, but avoid dwarf shrimp and very small invertebrates. Males can be territorial during spawning; females become very protective of eggs. In smaller aquaria the male may need to be removed after spawning.534

The story where it all began

Apistogramma borellii was first described in 1906 by Regan, who named it after the zoologist Alfredo Borelli who collected the type specimen. It has been kept in the aquarium hobby for many decades and is now widely bred in captivity. It is one of the more southerly distributed Apistogramma species, which means it can tolerate cooler temperatures than many of its relatives. The species is known for its peaceful nature and beautiful colouration, making it a favourite among dwarf cichlid enthusiasts.13