New Borelli owner needs assistance

[chaoslite]

I am new to the hobby and have a 37g planted tank. About 4 days ago I purchased a fish at the LFS and was informed that the fish was a Borleyi, but on further inspection I am thinking it is an A. Borelli. It has turquoise cheeks, a black line down the middle of each side and black lines through the eyes. His/Her tank mates are 2 juvenile Discus, 2 Ottos, 4 Harlequin Rasp, 5 juvenile Cardinal Tetras. 2 Hillstream Loaches and 1 juvenile Red Whiptail Cat. Today he/she seems to chase my Discus around and I am wondering, should they not be tank mates? And is this species of Apisto is ok being alone or does he/she need more Apistos company. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I like the looks of the fish and would love to keep it. I do have another 10g tank that I can move him/her to if anyone thinks that would be best.

Thanks
Mishka

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
There is a Malawi "Utaka" - Copadichromis borleyi
"http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/c_borleyi.php", although that doesn't have a lateral or eye stripe.

Your fish sounds like a male "Blue-steel/Steel-blue", much more frequently sold as "A. Borellii" than the real thing.

Have a look here: "Steel-blue
http://www.dwarfcichlid.com/Apistogramma_sp_Steel_blue.php
&
Borellii
http://www.dwarfcichlid.com/Apistogramma_borellii.php

ApistoBob is a member here and his pages are full of good advice.
http://www.dwarfcichlid.com/Aquarium_care.php

cheers Darrel

 

[chaoslite]

Darrel,

My guy or girl looks like this minus the orange and red.

http://aquarium.biz.ua/wp-content/uploads/apistogramma_borelli.jpg

I am pretty sure it is a A. Borelli. What do you think?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Does sound like A. borellii, they are variable in colour. Have a look at the black line down the side, if it has the "chequered" ladder look (in your linked image) it probably is borellii.
cheers Darrel