Apistogramma borellii
Cooler-water apisto with yellow flanks and a finnage that fans into an umbrella in display. More tolerant of pH and temperature variation than cacatuoides or agassizii, the right starter apisto. Female tends eggs in a cave.
Umbrella Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) reaches 5–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Paraguay and southern Brazil, it lives in the bottom to mid water column with a peaceful (mild for an apisto) temperament. Aim for 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 1–12 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Umbrella Cichlid can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: carnivore, Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, micro pellet. Live food triggers breeding colour. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only.
Care at a glance
Cooler-water apisto with yellow flanks and a finnage that fans into an umbrella in display. More tolerant of pH and temperature variation than cacatuoides or agassizii, the right starter apisto. Female tends eggs in a cave.
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The parameters that decide whether umbrella cichlid fits in your tank.
Bottom to mid
No
Keep as a harem
Cichlidae
Carnivore
Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, micro pellet. Live food triggers breeding colour.
3–5 yrs
Medium (cave spawner)
Paraguay and southern Brazil
Paraguay and southern Brazil
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Umbrella Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the bottom to mid water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 1–12 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only. Plant safety: Yes.
Umbrella Cichlid are carnivore. Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, micro pellet. Live food triggers breeding colour.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium (cave spawner).
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
