Apistogramma borellii "opal"

[HoldenOn]

Hey all,
Stocking is practically done for my new 29.

Black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) - 8
Peppered corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) - 7

I'm thinking about finishing it off with a pair of apistogramma from the same river basin as the corydoras.
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They are commonly known as opal umbrella cichlids (Apistogramma borellii "opal")



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As these share a real life habitat and thus have the same water requirements and temperature, I figured a pair would give some color to my southern brazil community tank.
-They need a chilly 68-79°F and like softer water.
-If keeping a pair they need small caves and shaded overhangs.
-Not aggressive, but known to be moderately territorial if breeding.
-Are completely carnivorous, and should be fed frozen and dry foods for best coloration and health.
Thanks for watching my TED Talk .

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Absolutely beautiful! I like how to are incorporating similar species of fish, from similar regions.

 

[ClownLurch]

Nice looking fish. It’d fit on @Wills hard water list as well.

 

[HoldenOn]

Nice looking fish. It’d fit on @Wills hard water list as well.

I've heard good things about them in hard water. Most dwarfs don't do to great in their higher ranges, but these guys seem to do good!

 

[HoldenOn]

What do you think @itiwhetu @Wills @Metalhead88?

 

[itiwhetu]

I thought these guys like soft, acid, cool water. Some of the Apistogrammas don't like heat.

 

[Wills]

Their distribution would suggest they are found in colder temperatures and some of the regions are known to be harder but not sure I would personally keep them in my 260ppm water so they technically could go on “my” list but with some caveats.

I really like the biotope approach with these and the cories - where do your tetras fit in? They’d do we well in your tank what sort of numbers are you thinking? Does your scape allow for a couple of territories for a few females?

 

[HoldenOn]

Their distribution would suggest they are found in colder temperatures and some of the regions are known to be harder but not sure I would personally keep them in my 260ppm water so they technically could go on “my” list but with some caveats.

I really like the biotope approach with these and the cories - where do your tetras fit in? They’d do we well in your tank what sort of numbers are you thinking? Does your scape allow for a couple of territories for a few females?

The tetras are from several surrounding branches of one large water way. The corydoras and the apisto are located in in the same waterway farther north. (lower Panará basin)
View attachment 118856
I'm assuming you are asking about the tetras, I think I'll keep it at 8. I've got predominantly tall swords and plenty of floating plants, not to mention I'm going to be putting a nice tall piece of driftwood in. It's pretty broken up so there is plenty of space, but I do intend to get it a little more divided up with the wood and some extra plants.

 

[Gypsum]

I've got a male and two female A. Borellii. The male isn't quite mature yet (I got him about eight months after I got the females... it took a while to find a male). Once he's a full fledged adult, I'm hoping they breed. They live with some dwarf pencilfish (Nannostomus marginatus). I was advised (by Byron here and the experts at apistogramma.com) not to keep a breeding pair of apistogramma with corys because the apistos might get stressed out by the corys encroaching on their territory and threatening their fry. There have been reports of apistos attacking the eyes of corys. Additionally, the corys can eat the fry/eggs when the apistos are asleep, as dwarf cichlids are pretty inactive and dopey at night. That will also stress out the parents, understandably. No one wants their fry eaten.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Those are absolutely stunning!
Have had a little look at apistos, they're so tempting to keep, but I don't have the right set up yet, would need to get a larger tank. One day!

Hope you share lots of pics! But I also share @Gypsum 's concerns about them living with cories.

 

[Gypsum]

I have a single male Bolivian ram living with CW009. That seems absolutely fine. He doesn't bother the corys and occasionally chases male cherry barbs, but they deserve it. Ram doesn't seem too bothered being the only fish of his species in the tank. They're actually a pain to pair up because they need to choose their own mates. You could look into those.

Here's my male A. borellii with one of the females (ignore the hair algae).

 

[HoldenOn]

Bolivian rams won't work unfortunately . Super hard to sex and they are super picky about mates (like you said), not to mention they need an elevated temperature. The reason I looked into these guys originally is due to their temperature needs and original habitat. I've heard it both ways with the apistos and corydoras, and would love to hear some more opinions. Seriously fish and other members of this forum have said that they will be fine, but others do not.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Bolivian rams won't work unfortunately . Super hard to sex and they are super picky about mates (like you said), not to mention they need an elevated temperature. The reason I looked into these guys originally is due to their temperature needs and original habitat. I've heard it both ways with the apistos and corydoras, and would love to hear some more opinions. Seriously fish and other members of this forum have said that they will be fine, but others do not.

If it comes down to it, you might just have to try it for yourself, but be prepared to return the apistos if it doesn't work, or set up a second tank, in case it doesn't work out. It's tough when there's conflicting opinions on it! Might be some personality/tank variables that mean sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't, you know?

 

[Gypsum]

It's Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, the German ram, which needs an elevated temperature. Bolivians, Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, are fine at 24-25C. I suggested them because in my experience anyway, they aren't unhappy as lone fish and don't cause any major hassle in a community tank. Once you have a breeding pair of dwarf cichlids, the whole dynamic changes.

One line I kept hearing was "A breeding tank is not a community tank." If you keep a breeding pair (or harem) of dwarf cichlids in a community tank, there is *always* a risk of high levels of aggression towards tankmates like corydoras and the black skirt tetras. I spent a lot of time researching good dithers, or companions, for the apistos, and the pencilfish were highly recommended. Larger charachins, not so much, unless you have a ridiculously huge tank. To some extent, it depends on the personalities of your individual fish, which is why you're hearing so many conflicting reports. You won't know whether your particular cichlids will cope with their tankmates until they try to breed, and you might find yourself in the unfortunate position of rehoming someone or setting up another tank.

 

[HoldenOn]

It's Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, the German ram, which needs an elevated temperature. Bolivians, Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, are fine at 24-25C.

One line I kept hearing was "A breeding tank is not a community tank." If you keep a breeding pair of dwarf cichlids in a community tank, there is *always* a risk of high levels of aggression towards tankmates like corydoras and the black skirt tetras. To some extent, it depends on the personalities of your individual fish, which is why you're hearing so many conflicting reports. You won't know whether your particular cichlids will cope with their tankmates until they try to breed, and you might find yourself in the unfortunate position of rehoming someone or setting up another tank.

Yep, but I mean elevated temp in terms of this tank, the current stock (and the apistogramma borellii) prefer much cooler water, in the 68-72°F range. (20°C-22°C)

If it comes down to it, you might just have to try it for yourself, but be prepared to return the apistos if it doesn't work, or set up a second tank, in case it doesn't work out. It's tough when there's conflicting opinions on it! Might be some personality/tank variables that mean sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't, you know?

In terms of setting up a new tank, I'd be happy to, and I'll totally do it if they need that. Same with returning them .