Umbrella Dwarf Cichlid: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The umbrella dwarf cichlid is blue and yellow, with tall fins on the male. It is one of the calmest and most adaptable dwarf cichlids, and it accepts cooler water than its relatives.

Adult size
2.6 in6.5 cm
Smallest tank
10 gallons38 liters
Comfortable in
10 gallonor bigger
How many
2 or more
Temperature
68–79 °F20–26 °C
pH
5–8
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
On the bottom
Heater needed
In a cool room

What size tank do umbrella dwarf cichlids need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Apistogramma borellii.

How many umbrella dwarf cichlids in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if umbrella dwarf cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many umbrella dwarf cichlids
5 gallonToo small
10 gallon2
20 gallon long2
29 gallonup to 4
40 gallon breederup to 6
55 gallonup to 10
75 gallonup to 14
125 gallonup to 24

Check umbrella dwarf cichlids against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.

Tank mates for umbrella dwarf cichlids

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as umbrella dwarf cichlid.

Questions and answers

What size tank do umbrella dwarf cichlids need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many umbrella dwarf cichlids should be kept together?

At least 2. Umbrella dwarf cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can umbrella dwarf cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?

Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries 2 as the only fish in the tank.

What temperature do umbrella dwarf cichlids need?

68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 5–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can umbrella dwarf cichlids live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.