Borleyi

Haplochromis borleyi

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwatercichlid

Haplochromis borleyi is a peaceful cichlid from Lake Malawi, known for its striking red fins and blue body. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its vibrant colors and relatively easy care.

Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Lake Malawi
Lac africain, eau dure alcaline, cichlidés endémiques.

Description

Haplochromis borleyi exhibits a slender, elongated body with a blueish-silver base color. Males develop intense red coloration on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, while females are more subdued. They are open-water swimmers, often found in intermediate zones of the lake. This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs and fry in their mouths. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial during breeding. Their diet consists of small invertebrates and algae. They are known for their active swimming behavior and add movement to the aquarium.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky shores and intermediate zones

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH7.58.5
GH1020 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
200 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
15 cm
Lifespan
6.5 years
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Propagation

Care notes

Haplochromis borleyi requires a tank of at least 200 liters with plenty of open swimming space. Water parameters should be maintained at pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 24-28°C, GH 10-20, KH 8-12. They are omnivorous and accept high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Regular water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm. They can be kept with other peaceful Malawi cichlids of similar size. Avoid aggressive species. Provide rockwork and hiding places but leave open areas. They are sensitive to poor water quality. A sandy substrate is recommended.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References