Opal Apistogramma

Opal Apistogramma (Apistogramma borellii) — The Opal form is a captive color strain of Apistogramma borellii developed to emphasize pale iridescent pearl coloration across the body — a soft, shifting blue-white to opalescent sheen that gives this form its name. In good light, the opal scaling catches and refracts light beautifully. Apistogramma borellii is one of the most charming and underappreciated dwarf cichlids in the hobby. Smaller and gentler than many of its relatives, it is an excellent choice for planted nano aquariums and community tanks where larger or more aggressive apistos would be unsuitable.

Feeding & Care Tip: Always soak Hikari Micro Pellets in a small cup of tank water for 30–60 seconds before feeding — Apistogrammas can be prone to bloat from dry foods expanding in the gut. Hikari Vibra Bites are an excellent treat option; the sinking worm-like shape triggers the natural hunting instinct of these micro-predators and they will snap them up eagerly. Color is most vivid in soft, slightly acidic water with tannin additions from Indian almond leaves or driftwood. For breeding conditioning, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms fed 2–3 times per week reliably trigger spawning behavior and improve egg quality.

Native to the Paraguay and Paraná River basins across Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, Apistogramma borellii has a more southerly distribution than most Apistogramma species and consequently tolerates — and even prefers — cooler water. In nature it inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and pools with soft, acidic to neutral water.

Keep one male with two or more females. Males display beautiful yellow and blue coloration during courtship and territorial interactions. Despite its territorial nature toward conspecific males, A. borellii is one of the gentler Apistogramma species and makes an excellent community fish with small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras.

Apistogrammas are cave-spawning dwarf cichlids. The female takes on all parental duties — she guards the eggs and fry aggressively while her body turns bright canary yellow as a warning signal. Males should be watched during this period as females may attack them to protect the spawn; providing sight-breaks with plants and décor helps reduce tension. Coconut caves, clay pots, or driftwood crevices all make excellent spawning sites. Fry are initially tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp for their first meals.

Care & Ideal Parameters