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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
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.
