Apistogramma Borellii (Pairs)

About Apistogramma Borellii

Apistogramma Borellii is a beautiful and relatively peaceful South American dwarf cichlid, highly regarded for its brilliant blue, yellow, and orange colouration and engaging personality. Males develop striking blue facial markings, yellow bodies, and elongated fins, while females typically display rich yellow colouration that becomes especially intense when breeding.

Native to the Paraguay and Paraná river systems of South America, Apistogramma Borellii naturally inhabits slow-moving waters with leaf litter, submerged wood, aquatic vegetation, and plenty of natural hiding places. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for smaller planted aquariums while still providing the fascinating territorial behaviour associated with dwarf cichlids.

Apistogramma Borellii are generally peaceful outside of breeding, although females can become territorial when protecting eggs or fry. Providing caves, driftwood, plants, and visual barriers allows each fish to establish its own territory and reduces aggression.

They pair particularly well with peaceful South American community fish such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and Otocinclus.

A varied diet of quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, blackworms, and other small live or frozen foods will help maintain excellent colouration, condition, and breeding behaviour.

Peaceful, colourful, and full of personality, Apistogramma Borellii is an excellent dwarf cichlid for planted aquariums and South American community setups.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Apistogramma borellii
Common Name: Apistogramma Borellii
Origin: Paraguay and Paraná River systems, South America
Adult Size: Male 6–7 cm | Female 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, territorial when breeding
Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 60 Litres
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: 4–6 Years
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, South American community tanks, nano cichlid setups, and biotope aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Apistogramma Borellii aggressive?

They are generally peaceful dwarf cichlids. However, females can become highly territorial when spawning and protecting their eggs or fry.

Can Apistogramma Borellii live in a community aquarium?

Yes. They can be kept with peaceful community fish such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and Otocinclus.

What do Apistogramma Borellii eat?

They enjoy quality micro pellets alongside frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and blackworms.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Males are larger and usually display stronger blue, orange, and yellow colouration with more elongated fins. Females are smaller and develop an intense yellow colour, particularly when breeding.

Are Apistogramma Borellii easy to breed?

Yes. They can breed readily when provided with suitable caves, clean water, stable conditions, and appropriate food. Females typically guard the eggs and fry while the male defends the surrounding territory.

Common Mistakes

Not providing caves
Apistogramma need secure hiding and spawning locations. Small caves, coconut shells, rocks, and driftwood work well.

Keeping them with aggressive tank mates
Avoid larger or highly territorial fish that may stress or dominate them.

Using a bare aquarium
Plants, leaf litter, wood, and visual barriers help replicate their natural environment and reduce territorial conflict.

Poor water quality
Maintain clean, stable water and perform regular water changes.

Feeding only dry food
A varied diet containing quality frozen and live foods can significantly improve colouration, condition, and breeding success.