Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma borellii 'Yellow')

Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma borellii 'Yellow'
Name	Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma borellii 'Yellow'
Synonym	Apistogramma reitzigi
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Brazil, Paraguay
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.0-8.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	♀ 4 cm, ♂ 6 cm
Temperature	20-26 °C
Hardness	1-15 °dH
Aquarium	~ 100 l
US Units
Size	♀ 1.6", ♂ 2.4"
Temperature	68-79 °F
Hardness	18-267 ppm
Aquarium	~ 30 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Borellis Dwarf Cichlid Yellow are a site variant of the Borellis Dwarf Cichlids. The distribution area are small tributaries of the Rio Paraguay (Brazil) and Rio Parana (Argentina). They live there in flat, plant-rich bank zones of brooks and small waters.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves) and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and slightly dim light (floating plants) is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as daphnia, artemia, mysis, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen).&nbsp

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. They are territorial, so keeping multiple harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be kept well with other calm fish, but will consistently defend their territory.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The male is larger, more colorful, and has significantly longer, more pointed fins than the female.

Reproduction and breeding

They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female performs the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days the fry hatch, which are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit until they swim freely after 4-5 days.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, where the fry are easy prey.

Important

They show their most beautiful coloration by feeding on live food.

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF