Riverpark Aquatics

OB Red Fin Borleyi (Copadichromis borleyi) 6-7cm

Price
£10.00 inc. VAT
Adding to cart… The item has been added

Our Guide To Keeping OB Red Fin Borleyi Cichlid

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

(No reviews yet)