Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid

Special requirements

• Subtropical Temperature Tolerance

  Native to the southern Rio Paraguay and Paraná basins; can tolerate much cooler temperatures than most cichlids. Often thrives without a heater in standard indoor environments.

• Cave Spawning Dynamics

  A secretive substrate/cave spawner. The female takes full responsibility for brood care and may become hyper-aggressive, potentially needing the male to be removed in smaller setups.

• Fin Protection

  Males develop exceptionally long 'Umbrella' fins which are prone to nipping. Avoid housing with aggressive tetras or fin-nipping community species.

• Leaf Litter and Tannins

  Appreciates dried leaf litter (Oak/Ketapang) to simulate natural blackwater conditions and provide a foraging ground for beneficial microbes.