Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Red Fin Hap Borleyi, or simply Hap Borleyi for short, is endemic throughout Lake Malawi in shallow rocky areas or in shoals in the open water. The majority of specimens within the aquarium trade are now commercially produced, however; it is rare to encounter wild imported Hap Borleyi for sale. This fish is often referred to as a ‘Hap’ because it is within the tribe of African cichlids known as Haplochromines. Female and young male Hap Borleyi are actually quite attractive, having silvery-blue bodies and orange in most of the fins. An adult male Hap Borleyi will develop an entirely orange-red body with a bright blue face. Generally speaking, Copadichromis are some of the most peaceful Malawi cichlids. As such, a Hap Borleyi would not fare well against more boisterous species such as Mbunas. Additionally, Hap Borleyi are quite active and would do best in a tank that provides such space for ample exploration and movement. Given their natural shoaling behavior, it is best to keep a male Hap Borleyi with several females. If the aquarium is large enough, more than one male can be kept successfully together. Avoid mixing different Copadichromis species to prevent unwanted hybridization. An adult Hap Borleyi can reach a size of approximately 8″, with females averaging slightly smaller.

Diet Requirements: Hap Borleyi are zooplanktivores in nature. A diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based frozen foods are ideal such as brine shrimp, daphnia or bloodworms. Hap Borleyi will accept large sinking pellet foods and flake foods, but these should not make up a large portion of the diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Hap Borleyi. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped with some stacked rocks to create hiding spaces and caves, but for this species, more unobstructed and open swimming space should be provided. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. This species has been found to be associated with beds of Vallisneria plants in the wild. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Hap Borleyi are compatible with a number of more peaceful or community-type Malawian and Tanganyikan fish and should not be kept with overly pugnacious species. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”, Medium: 2-1/4” to 3”, Large: 3-1/4” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.