Apistogramma borellii – Opal

Scientific Name: Apistogramma borellii
Common Name: Opal Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma borellii – Opal is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid prized for its iridescent blue coloration, yellow highlights, red-orange facial markings, and delicate extended finnage. Mature males typically develop the most intense colors, while females remain smaller and can display striking yellow coloration, particularly during breeding.

Native forms of A. borellii occur in southern South America, including portions of the Paraguay and Paraná river systems. Compared with many other Apistogramma, this species is known for tolerating a relatively broad temperature range and is often considered one of the more approachable Apistos for aquarists beginning with dwarf cichlids.

Despite their small size, Borellii Opals display the fascinating personality and territorial behavior expected from cichlids. They spend much of their time exploring the lower portions of the aquarium and do best when provided with plenty of structure and secure retreats.

Care Level: Easy–Moderate
Temperament: Generally Peaceful / Territorial When Breeding
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches, with males generally larger than females
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 68–78°F
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for small protein-rich foods

Recommended Setup: A mature, well-filtered aquarium with a sand or fine substrate, plants, driftwood, leaf litter, caves, and plenty of visual barriers. Providing multiple caves and hiding areas is especially important when keeping a pair or multiple dwarf cichlids.

Feed a varied diet of high-quality appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small aquatic foods.

Behavior & Tankmates: Apistogramma borellii is generally considered one of the more peaceful Apistogramma species and can work well in carefully planned community aquariums. However, females can become strongly territorial around their spawning site, so peaceful tankmates and adequate space are important.

Breeding: Apistogramma borellii is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. Females typically deposit their eggs inside a protected cave or cavity and guard the eggs and developing fry.

Please Note: Opal coloration, markings, fin development, sex, and size naturally vary between individual fish. Mature males generally develop stronger blue coloration and more elaborate finnage. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.

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