Our Guide To Keeping OB Red Fin Borleyi Cichlid
-
About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Copadichromis borleyi (OB/Orange Blotch morph)
- Common name: OB Red Fin Borleyi, OB Kadango Cichlid, Orange Blotch Redfin Hap
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa (rocky littoral zones)
- Adult length: 15–20 cm
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Diet: Omnivore (zooplanktivore tendencies in the wild)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive; males territorial, OB morphs can be a touch bolder
-
Tank Setup:
- Provide open swimming space with substantial rockwork to create caves and line-of-sight breaks; use sand or fine gravel substrate.
- Minimum tank size: 300 L for a harem (1 male with 3–4 females). Larger tanks are recommended for mixed Malawi communities.
- Plants are optional; if used, choose hardy epiphytes (Anubias, Java Fern) fixed to rocks to withstand occasional digging.
-
Water Parameters:
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline, buffered)
- Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- Hardness: 7–15 dGH with good KH for stability
-
Filtration and Water Flow:
- Use robust filtration with strong aeration; maintain moderate to brisk flow and excellent clarity.
- Perform large, regular water changes to keep nitrate low and pH stable.
-
Diet:
- Feed quality cichlid pellets or flakes as the staple, plus spirulina-rich foods to enhance colour.
- Supplement with frozen/live offerings such as brine shrimp, mysis, and finely chopped krill; avoid fatty mammal meats.
- Offer small portions 1–2 times daily to prevent bloat and maintain water quality.
-
Tank mates:
- Best with similarly tempered Lake Malawi haps and peacocks (Aulonocara) of comparable size.
- Avoid very aggressive mbuna and very small or timid species that may be harassed.
- Keep one adult male per tank unless the aquarium is very large with clear territories.
-
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Males defend rock-based territories and display vivid red fins; OB patterning commonly appears in females and selectively bred males.
- Mouthbrooder: females carry eggs and fry—provide calm retreats if you plan to raise young.
- Reduce aggression by maintaining a proper harem ratio, ample space, and multiple sight breaks.