{"product_id":"apistogramma-borellii-opal","title":"Apistogramma borellii – Opal","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eApistogramma borellii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opal Dwarf Cichlid\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eApistogramma borellii\u003c\/em\u003e – Opal is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid prized for its \u003cstrong\u003eiridescent blue coloration, yellow highlights, red-orange facial markings, and delicate extended finnage\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mature males typically develop the most intense colors, while females remain smaller and can display striking yellow coloration, particularly during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative forms of \u003cem\u003eA. borellii\u003c\/em\u003e occur in \u003cstrong\u003esouthern South America\u003c\/strong\u003e, including portions of the Paraguay and Paraná river systems. Compared with many other \u003cem\u003eApistogramma\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy–Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally Peaceful \/ Territorial When Breeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 2–3 inches, with males generally larger than females\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 68–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore with a preference for small protein-rich foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Tankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eApistogramma borellii\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eApistogramma borellii\u003c\/em\u003e is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. Females typically deposit their eggs inside a protected cave or cavity and guard the eggs and developing fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Felipe's Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52547685613848,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/9830\/2744\/files\/Screenshot2026-08-20at10.26.45AM.png?v=1787236229","url":"https:\/\/felipesfish.com\/products\/apistogramma-borellii-opal","provider":"Felipe's Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}