[1] They are found further south than most other members of the genus and can thus tolerate cooler temperatures.

[3] The specific name honours the zoologist Alfredo Borelli (1858–1943), who collected the type.

Like most Apistogramma species, A. Borelli are cave spawners, and in the wild breed during the rainy season due to the influx of food.

To breed them in aquaria, many fishkeepers use Indian almond leaves or another method to increase tannins to simulate the flooded banks of their wild habitat.

The female will lure the male into the cave, and then after spawning she will kick him out and fan the eggs for 36 hours until they hatch.