C. Borleyii, the Red Kadango Cichlid

Introduction to Red Kadango:

This African Lake Malawi cichlid is an An easily kept fish, only need is a descent size tank that has dedicated rock structure to hide, if more than one fish is present. Male female distinction is very explicit, and easy to distinguish from in smaller fishes as well. So a pair is ideal to keep in a tank, the red kadango or redfin kadango can easily be bred. Various color morphs are present in the aquahobby, the color is mainly dependent on which point of the lake malawi it is collected from. They are not overly aggressive like most of the other malawi cichlids, and should not be kept with aggressive fishes like mbunas. Recommended to keep with lake malawi cichlids only, do not ever mix CS American cichlid with malawi or tanganyikan or victorian lake cichlids. Their requirement is all different including food habit, ideal pH, temperature, aggression level etc. If constantly bullied, the red kadango may become timid and not fare well. The beautiful red color in the body does not show up  well.

 

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What to feed your red kadango:  The red kadango cichlid is omivorous, it will readily take flake or pellet food formulated for african cichlids. Hikari cichlid gold/biogold is good diet, if you can feed them purely with NLS cichlid formula. Diet should be supplimented with fresh green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peas or zucchini slices. Once in a week fresh prawn can be given as treat. Also dried bloodworms,shrimps can be offered. Breeding C. Borleyi:  This fishes are typical mouthbrooder, that means females take all the eggs in mouth until they are freeswimming fries. Keep a ratio of 1:3 male and females. Once females are holding eggs they can be transferred to another tank to avoid harrassment from the males.

Sexing Red kadango: Male red kadango are more colorful than the female. The males have bright orange body and a dark purple/blue head. Females and juveniles have grey bodies and orangish fins. During spawning time the egg tube is clearly visible in the female lower body part.

Temperament to tankmates: The red kadango is generally peaceful considering other lake malawi cichlids. But during spawning time they can be aggressive to the tankmates, and this is natural behaviour of the cichlids. If there is only one female it will be harassed by the male fish. And if there is smaller fishes those can be fitted in tis mouth, they will surely est them. Tank setup for C. Borleyi: Copadichromis borleyi or Red Kadango should be kept in a tank with rock structure to give places for hiding. Also enough free swimming spaces should be provided. The red kadango is very sensitive to nitrites so a good water quality is essential else they will gradually lose the vibrant color.

Common Diseases: Malawi bloat is very common to these type of fishes. And the cause is feeding the fish with too much protein or fat. So a varied diet should be provided. Always check the fish movement, ich is another common problem for this fish.