Apistogramma Borelli 3cm

Available in store

Description

Apistogramma Borelli 3cm

Peaceful, elegant and beautifully coloured, Apistogramma borellii is one of the more approachable South American dwarf cichlids. Mature males can develop shimmering blue, turquoise and yellow tones with graceful finnage, while females turn bright yellow when breeding. Its relatively calm temperament and tolerance of slightly cooler conditions make it an excellent choice for planted community and species-focused aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Brand: AI Livestock
  • Product type: Apistogramma
  • Size / Capacity: 3cm
  • Suitable for: Species-appropriate, established aquariums
  • SKU: CZ121030

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • Your aquarium is fully cycled and stable.
  • Adult size, social needs and compatibility have been checked.
  • You can provide the correct water conditions, diet and habitat.
  • You can receive and acclimate live livestock promptly.

❌ Consider something else if:

  • The aquarium is new, uncycled or unstable.
  • Compatibility or long-term space has not been confirmed.
  • You cannot meet the species-specific husbandry requirements.

Why choose Apistogramma Borelli 3cm?

It provides a clearly identified livestock option that can be assessed against your aquarium.

Matching adult size, behaviour and water needs helps prevent avoidable stress.

A planned addition is easier to acclimate, feed and monitor.

It is preferable to a similar-looking species when its long-term needs better suit your setup.

Key Benefits

  • Planned selection – Supports matching livestock to a suitable aquarium.
  • Aquarium suitability – Can become a rewarding part of a properly planned community.
  • Clear checks – Encourages confirmation of size, water and compatibility.
  • Long-term care – Keeps husbandry ahead of impulse selection.
  • Specialist support – NTA can help clarify suitability before ordering.

Specifications

  • Capacity / Size: 3cm
  • SKU: CZ121030
  • Shopify category: Live Animals

Specifications may vary by model or manufacturer revision. Please check the selected variant where applicable.

What's included?

  • The selected live livestock variant.
  • Protective packing appropriate to the available fulfilment method.
  • Care or acclimation guidance where supplied.
  • Only items explicitly stated in the listing are included.

Setup & Use

  1. Prepare and test the aquarium before arrival.
  2. Inspect the package and follow current NTA acclimation guidance.
  3. Introduce the livestock calmly with reduced lighting where appropriate.
  4. Observe behaviour and compatibility closely.
  5. Maintain stable water and feed an appropriate diet.

Maintenance

Regular inspection and appropriate care help keep this product or livestock in suitable condition.

  • Test water regularly.
  • Maintain stable, species-appropriate parameters.
  • Feed controlled portions of a suitable diet.
  • Monitor growth, behaviour and compatibility.

Pairs perfectly with

  • A reliable water test kit.
  • Species-appropriate food.
  • Water conditioner.
  • Suitable plants, caves or cover.
  • A quarantine or observation setup where appropriate.
NTA Insight:
Check the adult animal, not only the size offered today. Adult size, social needs and behaviour are often the deciding factors.

Before You Buy

Compatibility: Confirm the exact product, variant, livestock and system compatibility before ordering.

Sizing: Use verified dimensions, actual aquarium volume and the intended application rather than relying on appearance alone.

Installation: Check access, placement, connections and safe operating requirements before use.

Replacement parts: Availability varies by product and manufacturer; confirm the exact model or SKU when a replacement is essential.

FAQ

Are Apistogramma borellii suitable for beginners?

They are one of the more approachable Apistogramma species and can be suitable for aquarists who already understand basic aquarium maintenance. Stable water quality, proper feeding and suitable territorial structure are still important.

How large do they grow?

Mature males generally reach around 6–7 cm, while females remain smaller at approximately 4–5 cm.

Are males and females different colours?

Yes. Mature males generally show stronger blue, turquoise and yellow colouration with more extended fins. Females are smaller and become bright yellow when breeding.

Do Apistogramma borellii need very warm water?

No. One of the advantages of this species is that it tolerates somewhat cooler conditions than many Apistogramma and German Blue Rams. Around 20–26°C is generally suitable.

Can I keep a pair together?

Yes, provided the aquarium has enough space, caves and visual barriers. Two random individuals are not guaranteed to form a compatible pair, so behaviour should still be monitored.

Are they aggressive?

They are relatively peaceful for dwarf cichlids but become territorial around caves, particularly when breeding. Females guarding fry can become surprisingly assertive.

Do they need caves?

Yes. They are cave-spawning cichlids, and females use enclosed shelters to lay and guard their eggs. Ceramic caves, coconut shells and natural crevices all work well.

What should I feed them?

Offer quality dwarf cichlid foods supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. A varied diet helps maintain strong colour and breeding condition.

What does Apistogramma Borelli 3cm do?

Apistogramma Borelli 3cm is intended for species-appropriate, established aquariums. Check the selected option and listing details against your needs.

What aquarium size is it suitable for?

Use any verified rating in the Specifications section as a starting point. If no rating is stated, contact NTA when tank size is the deciding factor.

Is this the right model for my aquarium?

Confirm purpose, physical fit, capacity and compatibility before ordering.

What's included in the box?

Only the selected product and components explicitly stated in the current listing are included.

Apistogramma Borelli 3cm

Available in store

Product form

SKU: CZ121030

Out of stock,  

$80.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Apistogramma Borelli 3cm

    Peaceful, elegant and beautifully coloured, Apistogramma borellii is one of the more approachable South American dwarf cichlids. Mature males can develop shimmering blue, turquoise and yellow tones with graceful finnage, while females turn bright yellow when breeding. Its relatively calm temperament and tolerance of slightly cooler conditions make it an excellent choice for planted community and species-focused aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Brand: AI Livestock
    • Product type: Apistogramma
    • Size / Capacity: 3cm
    • Suitable for: Species-appropriate, established aquariums
    • SKU: CZ121030

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • Your aquarium is fully cycled and stable.
    • Adult size, social needs and compatibility have been checked.
    • You can provide the correct water conditions, diet and habitat.
    • You can receive and acclimate live livestock promptly.

    ❌ Consider something else if:

    • The aquarium is new, uncycled or unstable.
    • Compatibility or long-term space has not been confirmed.
    • You cannot meet the species-specific husbandry requirements.

    Why choose Apistogramma Borelli 3cm?

    It provides a clearly identified livestock option that can be assessed against your aquarium.

    Matching adult size, behaviour and water needs helps prevent avoidable stress.

    A planned addition is easier to acclimate, feed and monitor.

    It is preferable to a similar-looking species when its long-term needs better suit your setup.

    Key Benefits

    • Planned selection – Supports matching livestock to a suitable aquarium.
    • Aquarium suitability – Can become a rewarding part of a properly planned community.
    • Clear checks – Encourages confirmation of size, water and compatibility.
    • Long-term care – Keeps husbandry ahead of impulse selection.
    • Specialist support – NTA can help clarify suitability before ordering.

    Specifications

    • Capacity / Size: 3cm
    • SKU: CZ121030
    • Shopify category: Live Animals

    Specifications may vary by model or manufacturer revision. Please check the selected variant where applicable.

    What's included?

    • The selected live livestock variant.
    • Protective packing appropriate to the available fulfilment method.
    • Care or acclimation guidance where supplied.
    • Only items explicitly stated in the listing are included.

    Setup & Use

    1. Prepare and test the aquarium before arrival.
    2. Inspect the package and follow current NTA acclimation guidance.
    3. Introduce the livestock calmly with reduced lighting where appropriate.
    4. Observe behaviour and compatibility closely.
    5. Maintain stable water and feed an appropriate diet.

    Maintenance

    Regular inspection and appropriate care help keep this product or livestock in suitable condition.

    • Test water regularly.
    • Maintain stable, species-appropriate parameters.
    • Feed controlled portions of a suitable diet.
    • Monitor growth, behaviour and compatibility.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • A reliable water test kit.
    • Species-appropriate food.
    • Water conditioner.
    • Suitable plants, caves or cover.
    • A quarantine or observation setup where appropriate.
    NTA Insight:
    Check the adult animal, not only the size offered today. Adult size, social needs and behaviour are often the deciding factors.

    Before You Buy

    Compatibility: Confirm the exact product, variant, livestock and system compatibility before ordering.

    Sizing: Use verified dimensions, actual aquarium volume and the intended application rather than relying on appearance alone.

    Installation: Check access, placement, connections and safe operating requirements before use.

    Replacement parts: Availability varies by product and manufacturer; confirm the exact model or SKU when a replacement is essential.

    FAQ

    Are Apistogramma borellii suitable for beginners?

    They are one of the more approachable Apistogramma species and can be suitable for aquarists who already understand basic aquarium maintenance. Stable water quality, proper feeding and suitable territorial structure are still important.

    How large do they grow?

    Mature males generally reach around 6–7 cm, while females remain smaller at approximately 4–5 cm.

    Are males and females different colours?

    Yes. Mature males generally show stronger blue, turquoise and yellow colouration with more extended fins. Females are smaller and become bright yellow when breeding.

    Do Apistogramma borellii need very warm water?

    No. One of the advantages of this species is that it tolerates somewhat cooler conditions than many Apistogramma and German Blue Rams. Around 20–26°C is generally suitable.

    Can I keep a pair together?

    Yes, provided the aquarium has enough space, caves and visual barriers. Two random individuals are not guaranteed to form a compatible pair, so behaviour should still be monitored.

    Are they aggressive?

    They are relatively peaceful for dwarf cichlids but become territorial around caves, particularly when breeding. Females guarding fry can become surprisingly assertive.

    Do they need caves?

    Yes. They are cave-spawning cichlids, and females use enclosed shelters to lay and guard their eggs. Ceramic caves, coconut shells and natural crevices all work well.

    What should I feed them?

    Offer quality dwarf cichlid foods supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. A varied diet helps maintain strong colour and breeding condition.

    What does Apistogramma Borelli 3cm do?

    Apistogramma Borelli 3cm is intended for species-appropriate, established aquariums. Check the selected option and listing details against your needs.

    What aquarium size is it suitable for?

    Use any verified rating in the Specifications section as a starting point. If no rating is stated, contact NTA when tank size is the deciding factor.

    Is this the right model for my aquarium?

    Confirm purpose, physical fit, capacity and compatibility before ordering.

    What's included in the box?

    Only the selected product and components explicitly stated in the current listing are included.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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