UMBRELLA DWARF CICHLID

Scientific name: Apistogramma borellii

Pronunciation: A-piss-toe-gram-mah bore-rell-ee-ee

Size: Males up to 6.5cm; females up to 5cm

Origin: Widespread in South America from central Brazil down to central Argentina

Habitat: Shallow waters along the banks and tributaries of larger rivers

Tank size: 45x30x30cm, larger needed for a breeding pair

Water requirements: Soft and acidic through to surprisingly alkaline water; 5.5-7.5pH, hardness 4-20°H

Temperature: 19-26°C, any hotter should be only short-term to represent a breeding season

Temperament: Relatively peaceful outside spawning when breeding females can be very aggressive

Feeding: Micro-predator, live foods preferred but will usually eat frozen and flake foods Availability and cost: Quite regularly available. Around £20-30 per pair