Fish comparison
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid vs Umbrella Cichlid
How the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Umbrella Cichlid compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid vs Umbrella Cichlid
The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and the Umbrella Cichlid are close cousins, both in the Apistogramma group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Umbrella Cichlid is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid rewards a bit more attention. For a calm community the gentler Umbrella Cichlid slots in more easily.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid24–28 °C
- Umbrella Cichlid20–26 °C
pH
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid5–7
- Umbrella Cichlid6–7.5
Hardness
- Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid1–10 dGH
- Umbrella Cichlid1–12 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishAgassiz's Dwarf CichlidApistogramma agassizii |  FishUmbrella CichlidApistogramma borellii |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Amazon basin, Brazil, Peru, Colombia | Paraguay and southern Brazil |
| Family | Cichlidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–10 | 1–12 |
| Flow rate | Low | Low |
| Min tank | 75 L (pair) | 75 L |
| Adult size | 5–9 cm (male), 4–5 cm (female) | 5–7 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 yrs | 3–5 yrs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
| Water column | Mid to Bottom | Bottom to mid |
| Schooling | Harem (1 male, 2–3 females) | Pair or harem |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Risky with dwarf shrimp | Adults only |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Umbrella Cichlid together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid or the Umbrella Cichlid?
The Umbrella Cichlid is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and Umbrella Cichlid need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 24 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid and the Umbrella Cichlid?
Temperament is the big one. The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is territorial when breeding and the Umbrella Cichlid is peaceful, which changes who you can house them with.