Umbrella Cichlid Care Guide – Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Apistogramma borellii, commonly known as the Umbrella Cichlid, is a small and attractive South American dwarf cichlid. Males are typically blue-grey or yellowish, with darker markings and an extended dorsal fin, while females are smaller and often become bright yellow when breeding or caring for young.

This species has a relatively peaceful temperament for a cichlid, although it becomes territorial around a chosen cave, particularly when spawning. Its expressive behaviour, careful exploration and attentive parental care make it a fascinating fish to observe.

In nature, Umbrella Cichlids live close to the bottom among submerged vegetation, roots, leaf litter and other sheltered structures. Their elongated body and muted patterning help them move discreetly through the complex cover of shallow waterways.

Compared with many other Apistogramma species, A. borellii is notably adaptable and can tolerate a slightly cooler aquarium than many tropical dwarf cichlids. It remains a shy, structure-oriented fish that benefits from a calm community rather than a highly competitive or boisterous environment.

Apistogramma borellii is native to the southern part of South America, occurring in the Paraguay and Paraná river systems of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. It inhabits shallow, slow-moving waters, seasonal streams, backwaters and floodplain environments with heavy vegetation and leaf litter.

A pair should have at least 60 litres, with a footprint of roughly 60 × 30 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable for a harem or a community setup. Use fine sand or another smooth substrate, and provide dense plants, driftwood, leaf litter, rockwork and several small caves or spawning shelters. Leave discreet open areas for foraging while breaking up the sight lines between territories. Gentle filtration, subdued lighting and some floating vegetation help recreate the sheltered character of their natural habitat.

Males reach a maximum of about 6 cm (2.4 in), while females usually grow to around 4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 in).

Umbrella Cichlids are omnivores with a strong preference for meaty foods. Offer a varied diet of high-quality small pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae and bloodworms, with occasional finely crushed flake food. Feeding small portions regularly is preferable to relying on one large meal, and live or frozen foods are especially useful for conditioning adults for breeding.

Umbrella Cichlids can live with peaceful small tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, hatchetfish, Otocinclus and other gentle South American community fish. Small Corydoras may be suitable in a spacious aquarium, although bottom-dwelling tankmates can be challenged when a pair is breeding. Avoid large, aggressive or hyperactive species, fin-nippers, predatory fish and other Apistogramma or strongly territorial bottom-dwellers unless the aquarium is very large and carefully arranged.

Umbrella Cichlids are cave-spawning dwarf cichlids. Provide a small cave, coconut shell or overturned pot, along with clean, soft and slightly acidic water. The female usually lays around 50–100 eggs on the cave roof and guards them closely, while the male defends the surrounding territory. Eggs generally hatch within two to three days, and the free-swimming fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or other appropriately tiny foods.

Males are larger and more elongated, with stronger blue or yellow coloration, longer dorsal and anal fins, and more pronounced fin extensions. Females are smaller and rounder, often with a yellow body and darker markings, especially while guarding eggs or fry.