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Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma borellii (Regan, 1906)

Also called Umbrella cichlid, Umbrella apisto, Yellow dwarf cichlid

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Paraguay River basin and lower Parana, reaching southern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina and Uruguay.123

At a glance the quick version

Length3.9 to 6.5 cm12
Sizesmall
One of the smallest and easiest-to-house dwarf cichlids
Copes with cooler water than most relatives
Attentive mother to its young
23

Looks how to spot one

Small dwarf cichlid

A tiny, neat cichlid; males are larger and more colourful, with tall, extended fins that open like a little umbrella.23

Coloursyellow tonesselectively bred forms such as 'Opal'23

Personality what they are like

Peaceful for a cichlid; captive-bred fish settle well with calm, small community fish.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A bottom-to-midwater fish that stays near caves and plant cover in its small territory.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide caves and plants, keep the water clean, and add dried leaves such as Indian almond to mimic its natural waters.23

Home where they are happiest

Subtropical to tropical water of about 20 to 26 C, pH roughly 5 to 8 and 1-19 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 45 x 30 cm (FishBase suggests 60 cm) for a pair.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Eats small worms, crustaceans and insects; feed live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm alongside good pellets.12

Company who they like around

Kept as a pair or a male with females; suits gentle dither fish but not other Apistogramma in the same tank.12

The story where it all began

Charles Tate Regan described the species in 1906, naming it after the Italian zoologist Alfredo Borelli, who collected the first specimens. Because it lives further south than most Apistogramma, it is known for tolerating cooler water.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its scientific name honours zoologist Alfredo Borelli, who collected the type specimens.3

  2. 2

    It lives further south than most of its genus, so it handles cooler water well.3

  3. 3

    The female fans her eggs for about 36 hours until they hatch, then guards the young.3

  4. 4

    The eggs, around 50 to 70 per spawning, are stuck to the ceiling of a cave.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 28 October 2020)1
Taxonomy
Described by Regan in 1906; family Cichlidae1
DATZ A-number system
Forms listed as A103-A105 and A2342

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid?

Feed your Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding with small portions. This matches their natural diet of small invertebrates.21 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid enjoys small worms, crustaceans and insects; offer live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm with quality pellets. As for what to never feed, that varies; ask your vet for a safe list.21

How much space does a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid need?

A pair needs a tank with a base of at least 45 x 30 cm, with FishBase suggesting 60 cm. Provide plenty of caves and plant cover for their small territory.21

What temperature, light or water does a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid need?

Keep water at 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, pH between 5 and 8, and hardness 1 to 19 dGH. Adding dried Indian almond leaves helps mimic their natural soft, acidic waters.213

How often should I clean a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water monthly. Furry Diary's starting plan follows this routine to keep their home clean.23 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid live with others?

Yes, your Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid can live with calm, small community fish as dithers, but not with other Apistogramma. Best kept as a pair or one male with several females.21

How long does a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for typical ranges for your fish.

Can I handle a Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended for this delicate fish; it is easily stressed. Enjoy watching its natural behavior instead. For specific advice, ask your vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Apistogramma borellii fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, breeding
  2. Seriously Fish: Apistogramma borellii seriouslyfish.comused for names, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, forms
  3. Wikipedia: Apistogramma borellii en.wikipedia.orgused for etymology, names, temperature tolerance, breeding behaviour

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.