{"product_id":"apistogramma-borelli","title":"Apistogramma Borellii","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet the Apistogramma Borellii, Sp. Opal—the opal-toned dwarf cichlid that brings color, personality, and natural behavior to compact freshwater landscapes. This morph blends delicate iridescence with a confident, engaging presence, making it a standout choice for planted nano tanks and community setups alike.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhat makes the Opal morph special\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive opal coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e with a soft iridescent sheen that shifts with light, paired with subtle, contrasting fins to create a captivating focal point in any aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact adult size\u003c\/strong\u003e—typically 3–4 cm (about 1.2–1.6 inches)—perfect for smaller tanks without sacrificing visual impact.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdaptable care profile\u003c\/strong\u003e suited for soft to moderately soft water and a wide pH range (roughly pH 5.5–7.5), thriving in planted environments with gentle filtration.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e—a rewarding dither-and-destiny experience for hobbyists who enjoy watching mating rituals, egg care, and fry-rearing up close.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCare and habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpal Borellii thrives in a softly planted aquarium that mimics their natural habitat—dimly lit, with leaf litter, driftwood, and secure hiding spots. Provide a sandy or fine substrate for easy digging and encourage natural behavior like foraging along the bottom. Aim for a calm environment with gentle water movement to keep both adults and fry comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size\u003c\/strong\u003e: A pair is well-suited to a 20-gallon (80 L) setup or larger; smaller systems can house one individual comfortably, but a pair showcases their breeding behavior most vividly.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor\u003c\/strong\u003e: Use dense plants, driftwood caves, and clay pots or slate tiles to create secure territories and spawning surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e: Temperature in the mid-70s to high-70s °F (24–26°C), soft to moderately soft water, and a stable pH within the 5.5–7.5 range.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration\u003c\/strong\u003e: Gentle filtration with reliable water quality is key; keep currents mild to avoid stressing the fish while still maintaining clear water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eDiet and feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApistogramma Borellii, Sp. Opal is omnivorous and appreciates a varied diet. Feed small portions multiple times a day to mimic natural feeding patterns and support color development. Good options include high-quality flaky or pellet foods, finely chopped frozen foods, and occasional live offerings such as baby brine shrimp or drozen daphnia. Monitor feeding to prevent uneaten food from clouding the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBehavior and compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the tank, Opal Borellii is lively without being aggressively dominant. They establish clear territories, especially during breeding, but are generally compatible with other small, peaceful fish in a well-planted environment. Avoid keeping them with boisterous tankmates that may harass or outcompete them for hiding spaces. A paired setup rewards observers with vivid coloration changes during courtship and egg care.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBreeding and raising fry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding is a highlight for this species. A well-maintained, stable community or species-specific setup encourages a healthy pair to form. The female typically lays eggs on a flat surface—such as a broad plant leaf, slate, or ceramic dish—while the male defends and fans the eggs. After hatching, fry become free-swimming in about a week; begin with infusoria or liquid fry foods, then transition to newly hatched live foods as they grow. With patient hands-on care, fry can become attractive adults that preserve the Opal morph’s signature coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWho this is ideal for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eKeepers of nano and small planted tanks who want a striking, manageable centerpiece fish.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAquarists seeking a rewarding breeding project with visible parental care.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePeople exploring peaceful dwarf cichlids that balance color, behavior, and easy care when provided with stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith its luminous Opal coloration, compact size, and engaging personality, the Apistogramma Borellii, Sp. Opal offers a distinct, low-ambition entry point into dwarf cichlid keeping while delivering rich visual interest and meaningful behavioral dynamics to your freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Iven Betta","offers":[{"title":"Male","offer_id":45552966402348,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Female","offer_id":45552966435116,"sku":"","price":30.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/6555\/9870\/products\/IMG_20200625_161350_659.jpg?v=1593182156","url":"https:\/\/bubblenestib.com\/products\/apistogramma-borelli","provider":"ivenbetta","version":"1.0","type":"link"}