Red Fin Borleyi

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment7–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Red Fin Borleyi (Copadichromis borleyi) is a Lake Malawi hap of about 15 to 18 cm, best known in the Kadango red fin form. Males have a blue head and shoulders with orange to red body and fins; females are silver with dark spots along the flank. In the lake it feeds on zooplankton taken from mid-water near rocky outcrops, so it naturally occupies the middle layer of a tank rather than the bottom. Keep a male with three or more females in 350 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with rock structures at the ends and open mid-water in between. Feed a good cichlid pellet plus frozen cyclops, mysis and brine shrimp, in small portions rather than one heavy meal, which matches its natural picking behaviour. It is one of the gentler large Malawi cichlids, rarely instigates trouble, and combines well with peacocks and other calm haps. It is a poor choice for an mbuna tank, where it is usually outcompeted at feeding time and slowly loses condition.

• How active is a Red Fin Borleyi?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Red Fin Borleyi need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Red Fin Borleyi need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Red Fin Borleyi a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Red Fin Borleyi live?

  7–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Red Fin Borleyi?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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