Umbrella cichlid
(Apistogramma borellii)

Isolation will make the fish feel alone. The minimum acceptable maintenance in terms of sociability is the constitution of a couple, for an aquarium of less than 120 liters or 26 Imp Gal or 32 US Gal. For the maintenance of a group, choose a configuration in harem, with 1 male for 2 or 3 females. This group will necessarily organize itself around a hierarchy. For this to be established, small clashes can occur between individuals wanting to assert their dominance. Note that males are territorial and may be aggressive during breeding, both with their conspecifics than with other species occupying the tank. Because of its territorial nature, especially between males, avoid keeping two males in an aquarium of less than 120 liters or 26 Imp Gal or 32 US Gal. Attention, the rivalry between males is valid for all species of Apistogrammas. Thus, never introduce 2 Apistogramma males in an aquarium that is too small, whatever their species. Finally, note that cohabitation with other species of Apisto is often at the expense of Borellii, that is smaller and calmer. Attention therefore to this type of association.

For the well-being of this shy little fish, do not introduce fish into the aquarium that are too bright, aggressive or too big because the Apistogramma will hide and finally die. On the other hand, if you have territorial fish but that are peaceful, there will be no problem. You can choose for example Tetras or other Characidae, Neon, Cardinalis, Copella nattereri, Otocinclus...

Avoid shrimp: at adult size there will be no problems, but juvenile shrimp will inevitably be eaten.

Corydoras are not welcome in an aquarium with Apistogramma because they share the same living area. In addition, the highly planted aquarium required by this fish does not meet the needs of Corydoras, who prefer open aquariums.