Kadanco - 10cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Copadichromis borleyi
• Common Name: Kadango, Red Fin Borleyi
• Adult Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
• Habitat: Rocky, sandy areas of Lake Malawi, Africa

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (284 liters)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, peaceful with similar-sized Malawi cichlids; territorial during breeding

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes

  • Diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina-based flakes, and occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms
  • Avoid overfeeding protein-rich foods to prevent Malawi bloat

Appearance

• Males are vividly colored with a metallic blue body and bright red or orange dorsal/caudal fins (especially in the Kadango variant)
• Females and juveniles are typically silver or grey with less coloration

Distinctive Features

• Slender, elongated body shape
• Males develop more intense coloration with age and dominance
• Egg spots on anal fins (used in mating behavior)
• Mouthbrooders: females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until the fry are ready to be released