Can Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) may occasionally assert dominance over White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 22°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 55 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Apistogramma borellii (Umbrella Cichlid) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like White Cloud Mountain Minnow.