Borelli's dwarf cichlid — a Cichlidae from 南美洲, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 2.9–4.3 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 24–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
2.9–4.3 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Apistogramma borellii is a Cichlidae from 南美洲. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.9–4.3 cm. Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 24–25 °C at pH 6–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
Recommended tankmates
Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below
Avoid keeping with
Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care