Aulonocara Kadango

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Copadichromis borleyi
• Common Names: Kadango Peacock Cichlid, Red Kadango, Red Fin Borleyi, Malawi Red Fin
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa

Physical Description

• Color: Male Kadango Cichlids are known for their striking red coloration, especially in the fins and lower body. The upper body and head are often bright metallic blue. Females, as with most Malawi cichlids, are much more subdued in color, usually a silvery-gray or brown.
• Size: Males can grow up to 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in length, making them relatively large compared to other peacock cichlids. Females are typically smaller, reaching about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm).
• Body Shape: Kadango cichlids have a streamlined, elongated body with a pointed head. The males' bodies tend to be deeper and bulkier compared to females.
• Fins: Males have long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, often with a bright red or orange hue. The caudal (tail) fin is typically edged with red, making the male Kadango very eye-catching.

Behavior

• Temperament: Kadango Cichlids are semi-aggressive, especially males, which can become territorial during breeding. However, they are generally less aggressive compared to other Malawi cichlids like Mbuna, making them suitable for mixed African cichlid tanks.
• Social Structure: They do best in a harem setup with one dominant male and several females. If housing multiple males, ensure the tank is large enough to accommodate territories and reduce aggression.
• Swimming Style: They are active swimmers and prefer the open water of the aquarium, often found in the middle or upper areas of the tank.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In Lake Malawi, Kadango Cichlids are found in shallow, rocky areas near sandy patches, where they can find food and establish territories. They are often referred to as open-water cichlids because they spend much of their time swimming in open water rather than sticking close to the substrate.
• Aquarium Setup: A tank for Kadango Cichlids should include a sandy substrate with rock formations for hiding and territory establishment. Since they are open-water swimmers, ensure plenty of open swimming space. The aquarium should be well-filtered and spacious.

Diet

• Feeding: Kadango Cichlids are omnivores but lean more toward a diet rich in plankton and other small invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times a day, ensuring they consume the food within a few minutes. A balanced diet that includes plant matter helps keep them healthy.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Kadango Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders. After the female lays her eggs and the male fertilizes them, she will pick up the eggs in her mouth and incubate them for about 2-3 weeks.
• Nesting: Males will claim a territory, often near a rock or sandy area, where they will court females for breeding. After spawning, the female will hide while brooding the eggs.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are released from the mother's mouth, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Due to their larger size, a minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a group, especially if housing multiple males or other large species.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 7.8 to 8.6 (alkaline)
  • Hardness: 10 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as Malawi cichlids are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Kadango Cichlids can be housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids, such as other Copadichromis, Aulonocara (Peacock Cichlids), and Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Labs). Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species like Mbuna cichlids, as these may stress the Kadango.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Kadango Cichlids can live for 7 to 10 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Male Kadango Cichlids' colors become more vibrant during the breeding season, with the red and blue hues intensifying.
• They are open-water swimmers in the wild, which is why they appreciate having plenty of swimming space in the aquarium.
• The species is also called the "Red Fin Borleyi" after Ernst Borley, who contributed to the study of African cichlids.