Red Fin Kadango Cichlid: A Stunning African HaplochromineThe Red Fin Kadango Cichlid (Copadichromis borleyi), also known as the Kadango Red Fin or Borleyi Cichlid, is a peaceful and visually striking fish from Lake Malawi. With its shimmering metallic blue body and vibrant red fins, this cichlid is a standout species in African cichlid aquariums. Its calm temperament makes it an excellent choice for community setups with other Haps and Peacocks.Size and LifespanRed Fin Kadango Cichlids can grow to 15–20 cm, with males being larger and more vividly coloured than females. With proper care and ideal water conditions, they can live for 8–10 years, providing a long-term and rewarding aquarium experience.Tank Size and RequirementsA minimum tank size of 300 liters is recommended for these active swimmers. Maintain water temperatures of 24°C–28°C with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 to replicate their Lake Malawi environment. Include sandy substrates and rock formations for shelter, along with open swimming areas to accommodate their active nature. Strong filtration and regular water changes are crucial to maintain water quality.Tank MatesRed Fin Kadango’s are peaceful for their size and pair well with other mild-mannered Haps and Peacocks. Suitable companions include Blue Dolphin Cichlids, Electric Yellow Labs, and similar non-aggressive or semi-aggressive species. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive cichlids or very small fish that could become stressed or viewed as prey.Feeding RequirementsThese omnivorous cichlids require a varied diet to thrive. Offer high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food. Supplement with live or frozen protein sources such as brine shrimp or krill, as well as vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini. Including AquaMunch Super Colour products enhances their brilliant red fins and vibrant body hues, helping them reach their full colour potential.Breeding Red Fin Kadango CichlidsBreeding these cichlids is achievable in well-maintained aquariums. Males court females by displaying their vivid colours and preparing a territory for spawning. Females are mouthbrooders, carrying fertilized eggs for 18–25 days until the fry are ready to swim freely. Providing flat rocks or sandy areas encourages natural spawning behaviour. Fry can be fed finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.Sexing Red Fin Kadango CichlidsMales are larger with metallic blue bodies and bright red fins, while females are smaller with more muted silver or brown tones. During breeding, males intensify their colours, making sexing easier.FAQsHow big do Red Fin Kadango Cichlids get? They grow to 15–20 cm, with males being larger than females.Are they aggressive? They are relatively peaceful but may show mild territorial behaviour during breeding.What tank mates are suitable? Haps, Peacocks, and other non-aggressive or semi-aggressive cichlids of similar size are ideal companions.What do they eat? They thrive on high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen protein, and vegetables like zucchini. AquaMunch Super Colour products enhance their vibrant colours.How do you breed Red Fin Kadango Cichlids? Provide sandy areas or flat rocks for spawning. Females mouthbrood eggs for 18–25 days before releasing fry.How can you tell males and females apart? Males are larger with vivid blue bodies and red fins, while females are smaller with muted colours.Species OverviewSpecies: Copadichromis borleyiCommon Name: Red Fin Kadango Cichlid, Borleyi CichlidOrigin: Lake Malawi, AfricaDiet: OmnivorePH Range: 7.8–8.6Temperature: 24°C–28°CMax Size: Up to 20 cmTank Size: Minimum 300 liters
