Red Fin Borleyi "Kadango" (Copadichromis Borleyi)

Vivid, active, and impressively colourful — the Red Fin Borleyi “Kadango” (Copadichromis borleyi “Kadango”) is a premium locality form of one of the most popular and sought-after Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids. Males display a spectacular combination of vivid red-orange body colouration and an electric blue head — one of the most dramatic and eye-catching colour combinations in the African cichlid world. The Kadango locality form is particularly prized for the intensity and clarity of its colouration.

Overview

Appearance

The Red Fin Borleyi “Kadango” male displays a stunning combination of vivid red-orange to orange body colouration with a brilliant electric blue head and face, and vivid red and blue dorsal fin colouration. The contrast between the electric blue head and the vivid red-orange body creates one of the most dramatic and eye-catching colour combinations in the Malawi cichlid world. Females are more subdued in silver-grey with faint markings. The Kadango locality form is particularly prized for the exceptional intensity and clarity of its red-orange and blue colouration.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 76 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.8 – 8.5
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons
• Substrate: Sand; rock formations for territory
• Decor: Rock caves and open swimming space

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets
• Treats: Frozen brine shrimp, krill, and daphnia
• Tip: Colour-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids help maintain the vivid red-orange colouration

Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept with other Lake Malawi haplochromine and Peacock cichlids. Avoid very aggressive Mbuna. Keep one male per species to maintain locality purity and prevent hybridization.

Breeding

Maternal mouthbrooders. Females incubate eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks. Fry are released as fully formed juveniles.

The Red Fin Borleyi “Kadango” is a vivid and spectacular cichlid that brings dramatic red-orange and blue colour to any African cichlid aquarium. A must-have for serious Malawi hap enthusiasts.