Umbrella cichlid

Apistogramma borellii, known as the umbrella or yellow dwarf cichlid, comes from the cooler, subtropical reaches of the Paraguay and Parana river systems in southern South America. This southern origin sets it apart from most dwarf cichlids, because it tolerates and even prefers cooler water and can be kept without a heater in a temperate room. Males reach about 6.5 cm with a pale blue body and yellow throat, while females are smaller and plainer outside of breeding.

It is among the most peaceable members of its genus and one of the easier dwarf cichlids to start with. A single pair holds a small territory near the substrate and rarely troubles tankmates, which makes it a good fit for a soft-water community with rasboras, small tetras, or pencilfish. Two males will spar, so give them space and visual barriers if you keep more than one. Like its relatives it is primarily carnivorous, feeding on worms, small crustaceans, and insect larvae, so a rotation of live and frozen foods alongside a good dried staple keeps colour and condition up.

A planted tank from 60 litres with a temperature of 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, soft water, and a few caves or coconut shelters covers its needs. Borelli's dwarf cichlid is a cave spawner that forms pairs rather than large harems, and the female tends the eggs and guards the fry closely once they are free-swimming. Because the parents care for the brood, a settled pair in a quiet tank will often produce young without any special effort, and the cooler tolerance makes this a forgiving first cichlid for a planted community.