Description

malawi

Copadichromis Borleyi Kadango

🐟 Copadichromis borleyi “Kadango” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult males typically reach 15–18 cm (6–7 inches)

Females are smaller, usually 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches)

This species is larger and more robust than most Aulonocara (peacock cichlids)

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa

The “Kadango” name refers to a geographic locality/population near Kadango Island

Naturally inhabits open water and rocky reef edges, often above deeper areas

Classified as an Utaka, meaning it is adapted to mid-water feeding rather than sand-sifting

🎨 Appearance

Adult males show:

Bright metallic blue head and body

Orange to red dorsal fin (the hallmark of the Kadango form)

Yellow, orange, or red edging on fins depending on mood and dominance

Females are silver-grey with faint vertical barring

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Primarily a planktivore

Feeds on zooplankton and small drifting organisms in the water column

In the aquarium:

High-quality floating or slow-sinking cichlid pellets

Frozen foods such as:

Brine shrimp

Mysis shrimp

Cyclops

Occasional fine flake foods suitable for Malawi cichlids

⚠️ Avoid heavy, fatty, bottom-oriented foods (e.g. excessive bloodworms), as this species is adapted to lighter, water-column feeding.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Generally peaceful, especially for a Malawi cichlid

Males become territorial during breeding, displaying over open sand or near rocks

Best kept in:

Harem groups (1 male with 3–5 females), or

Mixed tanks with other peaceful Haps, Utaka, or Peacock cichlids

Should not be housed with very aggressive Mbuna

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

Tank size: 350 L (90+ gallons) recommended due to size and swimming behavior

pH: 7.5–8.5

Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Décor: Open swimming space with some rocky structures

Substrate: Sand preferred

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Copadichromis borleyi
Local Variant “Kadango”
Common Group Utaka (Malawi open-water cichlid)
Adult Size 15–18 cm (6–7 in)
Origin Lake Malawi (Kadango Island area)
Diet Zooplankton; pellets & frozen foods
Temperament Peaceful to semi-territorial
Best Setup Large tank, open water, alkaline conditions