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The Opal Umbrella Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is a stunning addition to any aquarium, with its iridescent opal body, vibrant yellow hues, and signature flowing "umbrella" dorsal fin. This variety of Apistogramma borellii is tank-bred, making it hardy and well-suited for home aquariums. Known for its peaceful temperament, it’s an excellent choice for community tanks or as the centerpiece in a carefully aquascaped setup. (we try our absolute best to send a true males and females, but due to the nature of Apistogrammas we can't fully guarantee the genders)

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What We Love About This Fish:

• Iridescent Beauty: Displays shimmering opal tones with yellow and blue highlights.
• Peaceful Nature: An ideal dwarf cichlid for community tanks with compatible species.
• Intriguing Behavior: Engages in fascinating interactions, especially during breeding.
• Adaptable to Aquascapes: Thrives in both planted tanks and natural setups.

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Natural Habitat:

Native to the calm, slow-moving waters of Paraguay and southern Brazil, Apistogramma borellii inhabits areas with dense aquatic vegetation, leaf litter, and sandy substrates. These waters are typically soft and slightly acidic, with a warm and stable temperature range.

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Aquascaping:

• Plants: Best suited to tanks with plants such as Amazon Swords, Cryptocorynes, Java Ferns, and floating plants for shade.
• Hardscape: Include driftwood, leaf litter, and small caves or shelters like coconut huts for breeding or hiding.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or alder cones can help replicate their natural habitat, releasing beneficial tannins and creating a slightly acidic environment. Botanical Combo Packs have an assortment of plants leaves that work well with breeding dwarf cichlids.

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Diet and Feeding:

The Opal Umbrella Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is omnivorous and thrives on a varied diet, including:

• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
• High-quality pellet or flake foods designed for cichlids.
• Occasional treats of blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach to add variety.

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Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These peaceful dwarf cichlids do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Small schooling fish like neon tetras or pencilfish.
• Corydoras catfish or small plecos.
  Avoid larger or aggressive tankmates, as well as other cichlid species in smaller setups.

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Not Shrimp Safe:

Not recommended for tanks with small shrimp or shrimp fry, as they may see them as food. However, they can cohabitate with adult shrimp in large, heavily planted tanks.

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Breeding:

Breeding the Opal Umbrella Borelli Dwarf Cichlid is an exciting experience in a well-prepared setup:

• Provide soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Offer small structures like Ceramic Dwarf Cichlid Breeding Huts, caves, or coconut shells for the female to lay eggs. These structures mimic their natural hiding spots and create a secure environment for spawning.
• Males display vivid coloration during courtship to attract females.
• After spawning, the female typically guards the eggs while the male protects the surrounding territory.
• Fry can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp or powdered fry food once they become free-swimming.

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Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 75° - 82°F (24° - 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 1 - 6
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

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Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Feed a varied diet of live, frozen, and prepared foods to maintain health and coloration.
• Social Behavior: Best kept in pairs or harems (1 male, multiple females). Males can be territorial with other males in smaller tanks.
• Origin: Tank-bred by professional breeders, ensuring adaptability to home aquariums.
• Average Adult Size: 2.5 - 3 inches (6.5 - 7.5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 - 2 inches (4 - 5 cm)

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Live Arrival Guarantee:

We guarantee live arrival for all our fish. If there are any issues, please contact us at [email protected] with photos within 2 hours of delivery, and we’ll make it right!