Haplochromis Borleyi Malawi African Cichlid

Overview

Copadichromis borleyi, the Redfin or Kadango Hap, is an open-water Malawi cichlid whose males mature into a deep blue head with a flushed orange to red body and long, flowing fins; females are silvery with orange fins. Endemic to Lake Malawi, it shoals above rocky shorelines. Peaceful for a hap, it suits intermediate keepers with a spacious Malawi community.

• Adult Size: Around 15–20 cm (6–8 in); females smaller
• Lifespan: 7–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Lake Malawi, East Africa
• Habitat: Open water above rocks and boulders, 5–20 m deep

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous zooplankton feeder
• Preferred Foods: Brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia, cyclops, spirulina flake, small cichlid pellets
• Feeding Habits: Twice daily in small portions; small foods suit their feeding style; frequent small meals mirror natural plankton grazing

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other peaceful haps, peacocks, Cyrtocara moorii, Synodontis catfish
• Avoid: Mbuna and other aggressive species, very small fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful for a Malawi cichlid
• Territoriality: Males defend a spawning site and pursue females when breeding, so plenty of cover helps

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs a long tank with open swimming space and several females per male; stable, well-filtered water is essential

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
• Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
• pH: 7.5–8.5
• Hardness: 10–25 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 300 litres with a 150 cm long footprint

Final Notes

This is an active shoaling species best kept as one male with three or more females, since a lone female will be harassed; juveniles are plain silver and males take a year or more to show full colour. A maternal mouthbrooder, females carry broods for three to four weeks and fry take baby brine shrimp readily. Give it space and rockwork and it becomes a stunning, easy-going showpiece.