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Red Fin Borleyi, Copadichromis borleyi
Lake Malawi · Species profile

Red Fin Borleyi care

Generally peaceful. It does poorly with rowdy fish and should not be kept with mbuna.

  • Up to about 8 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 77 to 84 FTemperature

Food

Small foods suit this plankton feeder. Offer a mix of small pellets and flakes with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Peacocks, Placidochromis electra and other peaceful haps.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back. Sand, open swimming room and a few rock piles along the back, with hard alkaline water and good filtration. Peacocks sift sand for food, so avoid sharp gravel.

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Care basics

Copadichromis borleyi is an open water hap that feeds on plankton in the lake. Males of the red fin forms have blue faces with red or orange fins.

Keep it with peacocks and other peaceful haps, and avoid other Copadichromis because they can crossbreed. Keep several females per male.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCopadichromis borleyi
GroupLake Malawi hap/peacock
Native toLake Malawi
Adult sizeUp to about 8 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA tank at least 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back
Temperature77 to 84 F
pH7.5 to 8.5, hard water
TemperamentGenerally peaceful. It does poorly with rowdy fish and should not be kept with mbuna.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

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Shop the Red Fin Borleyi setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Red Fin Borleyi, based on the care notes above.

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Gear We Recommend

Gear for Red Fin Borleyi

All gear
Best for: Most mid size cichlids

Cichlid staple pellets

A balanced daily food. Sinking pellets reach shy fish too.

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Best for: New World cichlids and oddballs

Frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp

A weekly treat. Skip bloodworms for mbuna.

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Best for: Malawi and Tanganyika tanks

African cichlid sand

Aragonite based sand that helps hold a higher pH.

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Best for: Tanks 55 gallons and up

Canister filter

Moves lots of water and holds lots of media. The workhorse of most cichlid tanks.

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