Apistogram Borelli (Apistogramma borellii)

The Apistogramma borellii, also referred to as the Borelli’s Apisto, is a great option if you want to give your aquarium a pop of color and a hint of elegance. This little colorful cichlid is native to the rivers of South America, where it stands out in its natural environment due to its vivid colors and endearing nature. Aquarium enthusiasts love the Borelli’s Apisto because of its gorgeous appearance and serene nature.

The vivid hues of Apistogramma borellii, which span from muted blues and yellows to vivid oranges and reds, are well-known. As long as the other tank members are as tranquil as it is, its petite stature and elegant movements make it the perfect addition to a community tank. Although the Borelli’s Apisto is a resilient fish, it does require a clean, well-kept tank with lots of hiding places and a calm water flow to better replicate its natural habitat.

The behavior of the Borelli’s Apisto is quite entertaining to observe. Its captivating personality gives an aquarium a lot of character, and it tends to be less aggressive than some other cichlid species. It can be entertaining to watch how it interacts with other tank mates and when it acts territorially. All things considered, aquarists, whether experienced or not, will find the Apistogramma borellii to be an exquisite and captivating option.

An excellent option for adding color and personality to your aquarium is the Apistogramma borellii, also known as the Borelli Cichlid. This little but colorful fish is a fascinating addition to the aquariums of both novice and expert aquarists because of its eye-catching appearance and intriguing behaviors. This post will go over the special qualities, recommended tank setup, and maintenance guidelines for the Borelli Cichlid to help you provide a happy, healthy home for this endearing fish.

Habitat and Range

Argentina’s north, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. in the lower Rio Paraná basin and in streams and tributaries of the Rio Paraguay.

Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that its distribution is wider throughout the majority of Paraguay’s rivers as well as the lower Paraná and Uruguay rivers in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

They are covered in protective vegetation and inhabit shallow waters.

Fish can be found down to 50 cm in areas that are densely vegetated. The pH and temperature of water change dramatically with the seasons.

Description

With long pectoral fins and elongated dorsal and anal fins; typically oval in shape and laterally compressed.

The species Apistogramma borellii is polychromatic. In other words, they come in a range of colors, and a single population frequently contains multiple distinct variants. There are many different color forms in the wild, some of which are particularly vibrant.

There are some very impressive males with brilliant red streaks on their heads. Commercial names for these color variations have occasionally been assigned, such as the common Apistogramma and the unique "Opal" or "Yellowhead."

Size

Males are typically 6.5 cm long, while females are 5 cm long.

Behavior and compatibility

They are polygamous, so keep one male with multiple females. Among the calmest dwarf cichlids are these fish.

They are generally quite peaceful and look great in an aquarium. Ideal for housing alongside calm, comparable-sized characins and tiny callichthyid or loricariid catfish, or alongside other small cichlids with comparable stature and disposition.

Aquarium

A pair can get by with basic measurements of 45 by 30 cm, but a group needs much more room.

Because this species is modest, functional décor pieces like ceramic pots and tubes are preferred. Using a soft sand substrate and naturally occurring driftwood, roots, and branches arranged to create a variety of caverns and hidden areas of shade will give the area a more organic appearance.

Adding dried leaves (almond, beech, oak, etc.) will accentuate the natural appearance even more. Tannins and other compounds replicate naturalistic conditions as they break down, and as they do so, beneficial bacterial colonies can form and provide a valuable secondary food source for the fry. Leaves can be changed out every few weeks or allowed to completely decompose in the aquarium. You can also add peat.

It is advised to use dim lighting and better aquarium plant varieties that grow well in such conditions, such as Thai fern (Microsorum), Java moss (Taxiphyllum), Cryptocorynes, and Anubias. For even greater light dispersion, add some floating vegetation. Strong water flow and filtration are not recommended, and it is best to avoid making abrupt changes to the water’s parameters; weekly changes of 10% to 15% are typical.

This species can tolerate or adapt to most major water parameters, but it is highly sensitive to nitrates and sensitive to low water quality.

Water parameters

Outside temperature: 20–27°C

PH: Wild populations of fish have been found in environments with a pH between 5.0 and 8.0, although commercially bred fish are generally tolerant of these conditions.

Hardness: DGH range of 5.0 to 19.0; soft to medium.

The water characteristics of the many natural habitats that Apistogramma borellii inhabit differ significantly. This demonstrates the borellii’s adaptability to a broad range of water parameters, including hardness levels from 1 to 15° and pH ranges from 5 to 8. They are highly attuned to the quality of the water, though, and prefer cool, soft water.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous and, in the wild, seems to eat mostly invertebrates that live on the bottom.

Although most will take good quality dry foods, frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, and bloodworms should be fed frequently in an aquarium.

Sexual Dimorphism

Compared to females, males are bigger, more colorful, and have longer fins.

Compared to males, females are more yellowish in color, and when they are ready to spawn, they will become an even brighter yellow. After laying eggs, the female will also have a more rounded body.

Borelli’s Apisto, or Apistogramma borellii, is an enticing option for aquarists wishing to give their tank a splash of color and personality. This little fish sticks out among the freshwater species with its vivid colors and detailed patterns. It is suitable for a well-maintained community tank due to its manageable size and generally peaceful nature, provided that the surroundings are set up to suit its requirements.

Make sure your Apistogramma borellii is happy and healthy by building a habitat that closely resembles its natural surroundings. It will be easier to replicate the conditions in its native South American waters with a well-planted tank with hiding spots and light filtration. Water quality is important because these fish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water that is kept at a consistent temperature. Your Apisto will remain in optimal condition with regular upkeep and observation.

Take into account Borelli’s Apisto’s social behavior and suitability for other tank companions when providing for it. Although they are usually calm, they have a tendency to become territorial, particularly when they are mating. Ensuring a peaceful tank environment and reducing aggression can be achieved by providing plenty of space and visual barriers. All things considered, Apistogramma borellii can make a beautiful and fruitful addition to your aquarium given the proper care and attention.

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