Recently we received beautiful wild collected specimens of A. borellii from Paraguay. This species is an ideal aquarium fish. In contrast to many other species of the genus A. borellii is completely undemanding regarding water chemistry. Even in medium hard, slightly alcalic water the species thrives well and even breeds. The behaviour of A. borelli is similar to most other Apistogrammas: it is a polygamous species (that means each male breeds with several females), a cavebrooder, and the female has to do the most work in respect of taking care for the fry. However, A. borellii is among all the different types of Apistogramma the one that fits best to human ideals: it is even possible to keep it in pairs and every now and then even males take care for the brood. It is recommended to keep the fish in unheated aquaria during some weeks of the year. This will lead to a longer life in A. borellii and healthier fish.

 

During the current photosession we observed by chance that the neck-pattern of the fish formes so-called „eyespots“. These eyespots make the fish look by far bigger for possible predators. To the best of our knowledge this phenomenon has not been mentioned for any Apistogramma species so far!

 

For our customers: the fish have code 615703 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Lexicon: Apistogramma: ancient Greek, means “with unreliable line”. It is not known whether the lateral line organ or the pattern is meant. borellii: dedication name.

 

Common name: Umbrella cichlid, Yellow dwarf cichlid

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer