A popular African Cichlid from Lake Malawi belonging to the open-water Utaka group. Known for extreme sexual dimorphism, mature males display brilliant orange-red bodies with metallic blue heads, while females remain silver. They require hard, alkaline water, sandy substrates, and plenty of open swimming space.
Red Fin Borleyi At a Glance
Red Fin Borleyi Tank Requirements
Will Red Fin Borleyi fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Fin Borleyi needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Fin Borleyi against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Red Fin Borleyi Water Parameters
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Red Fin Borleyi Temperament & Compatibility
Red Fin Borleyi Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Mature males develop a spectacular metallic blue head, an orange/red body, and elongated pelvic fins. Highly territorial towards other males of the same species. Best kept as a single male alongside a harem of females.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Colored Male, Kadango Red Fin
Female / Unsexed Juvenile
Females and juveniles are plain silver/grey, often with three faint dark spots on the flanks. They are much more peaceful than males and should be kept in a harem (3+ females per male) to disperse the male's breeding aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Silver Borleyi, Unsexed
Red Fin Borleyi Care Guide Summary
The Red Fin Borleyi, scientifically known as Copadichromis borleyi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 16 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Fin Borleyi requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Red Fin Borleyi is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female / Unsexed Juvenile. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Red Fin Borleyi Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Fin Borleyi, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Red Fin Borleyi Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Red Fin Borleyi is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Red Fin Borleyi Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Fin Borleyi.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
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Frequently Asked Questions About Red Fin Borleyi
How big does Red Fin Borleyi get?
Red Fin Borleyi (Copadichromis borleyi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 16 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Fin Borleyi need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 280 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Red Fin Borleyi. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Fin Borleyi need?
Red Fin Borleyi thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Red Fin Borleyi peaceful or aggressive?
Red Fin Borleyi is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Red Fin Borleyi live alone?
Yes, Red Fin Borleyi can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Red Fin Borleyi have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Fin Borleyi benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Red Fin Borleyi
These plants pair well with Red Fin Borleyi based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Red Fin Borleyi
Azureus Cichlid
Copadichromis azureus
A stunning open-water 'Utaka' cichlid from Lake Malawi. Males develop a spectacular metallic blue coloration, making them popular centerpieces in African Cichlid tanks. Compared to rock-dwelling Mbuna, they are relatively peaceful open-water swimmers but still require ample swimming space and hard, alkaline water.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
Metriaclima estherae
A highly popular and vibrant Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The 'Cherry Red' or Orange morph is a favorite for African Cichlid setups. They are rock-dwelling (Mbuna), highly territorial, and require a diet rich in vegetable matter (algae/spirulina) to avoid Malawi Bloat. Best kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.
Christmas Fulu
Xystichromis phytophagus
A critically endangered African cichlid (extinct in Lake Victoria, now found primarily in Lake Kanyaboli) famous for the male's festive red, green, and blue colors. Like many Victorian haplochromines, they are active, aggressive, and best kept in rock-scaped tanks with hard, alkaline water. They are harem breeders and require a strict male-to-female ratio to manage aggression.