Umbrella cichlid, Umbrella apisto, Yellow dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma borellii, common names umbrella cichlid, umbrella apisto and yellow dwarf cichlid, is a species of fish in the genus Apistogramma.
It is a South American dwarf cichlid, found in the Paraguay River and Paraná River. They have been found in waters as cold as 6.5 °C. The umbrella cichlid eats insects and crustaceans. The specific name honours the zoologist Alfredo Borelli (1858-1943), who collected the type.
Like most Apistogramma species, A. Borelli are cave spawners, and in the wild breed during the rainy season due to the influx of food. To breed them in aquaria, many fishkeepers use indian almond leaves or another method to increase tannins to simulate the flooded banks of their wild habitat. Feeding rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp also helps. The female will lure the male into the cave, and then after spawning she will kick him out and fan the eggs for 36 hours until they hatch. Upon the eggs hatching, the female will guard them closely until they grow up.
