Opal Apistogramma - Apistogramma borelli "Opal" DNZ - single specimen

The iridescent color of the Opal Apistogramma, was one of the name givers for this cichlid from the Apistogramma borelli family. It represents a locality variant, which originates from the nutrient-poor catchment area of the Rio Paraguay as well as the Brazilian Mato Grosso region. In the community aquarium it makes a good figure and can be maintained already starting from 54 liters also in pairs.

Our Opal Apistogramma are German Nachzuchten, which you receive in pairs.

For perches the Opal Apistogramma shows a rather weakly pronounced high back. In the basic color they are light gray and show the name-giving opal-colored shiny scales. A lateral line is rather poorly developed, and there is a red spot on the caudal peduncle. Females exhibit an interrupted longitudinal black band and a yellow ventral region. On the face there are red and turquoise spots, just before the eye lid these can also be yellow. The long and pointed dorsal fin is half opal, as is the ventral fin. The anal fin starts at the middle of the dorsal fin, both are yellow and have few light blue spots near the body. The rounded caudal fin is also yellow. The Opal Apistogramma can reach a length of about 6 cm and an age of 4 years.

Breeding is possible in community aquariums as well as in breeding tanks, for this purpose the water should be soft and slightly acidic. Live food increases the readiness to spawn. Although the female mainly lays eggs in Caves and hiding places like decorations, Coconuts or flower pots, she may also use the aquarium glass for this purpose.

Opal Apistogramma aquarium fish can be easily maintained in community aquariums but also in pairs or harems starting at 54 liters. The habitat of the dwarf cichlids has rather soft to medium hard water with a total hardness (GH) between 5 and 20 °dGH with pH values between 6.0 and 7.5, as well as a water temperature of 22-27 ° Celsius. The substrate should be sand or very fine gravel if possible. In an aquarium that has a good structure in the form of Roots and stone structures that are secured against falling over, which provide both Caves and hiding places, but also provide privacy and territorial boundaries, the animals feel most comfortable. A dense planting in places, which allows enough swimming space, suits the cichlids.

The socialization with Tetras or Daniosbut also with Corys or Loricariids will be without problems. With a preference for small crayfish and live food invertebrates are rather unsuitable as co-inhabitants. Also crayfish could contribute to misunderstandings.

With commercial dry food or flake food, but also granulated food, this omnivore can be fed optimally. The Opal Apistogramma tends to overeat and thus to become fat. To prevent this it should be fed rather sparingly. It has a strong passion for live and frozen food, which may be added to its menu from time to time. For this purpose Artemia naupliicyclops, Daphnia, Enchytraea and others.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. The NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for predominantly carnivorous fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that fish naturally eat, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro-injuries that can result from hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.