Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlid
The Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlid, also known as Haplochromis barlowi, originates from the Southern part of Lake Malawi, Africa. The males have a blue body with striking yellow fins, and are one of the larger Copadichromis Cichlids reaching a maximum size of 7″. When mature, the females remain brown to silver in color, and will be slightly smaller than the males.
Living Conditions
A large aquarium with plenty of caves and hiding places is ideal for the Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlid. Caves can be formed from limestone or any other type of inert rock, as well as African Driftwood. An aragonite-based substrate is recommended in order to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity. They do not like bright lighting, and the aragonite should ideally be either mixed with or covered by darker gravel to reduce the amount of light exposure.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | South of Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Male Color | Blue body with yellow fins |
| Female Color | Brown to silver |
| Maximum Size | 7 inches |
| Substrate | Aragonite-based |
| Lighting Preference | Low to moderate, avoid bright lighting |
FAQ
What is the difference between male and female Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlids?
Males have a blue body with striking yellow fins, while females are brown to silver and are slightly smaller in size.
What type of substrate is recommended for this cichlid?
An aragonite-based substrate is recommended to maintain high pH and alkalinity.
Do Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlids require specific lighting conditions?
They do not like bright lighting and prefer low to moderate light. Aragonite should be mixed with or covered by darker gravel to reduce light exposure.
Emma Knox –
The male Yellowfin Borleyi is very colorful and active. We placed it in a 55-gallon tank with plenty of caves and it seems comfortable. The lighting is dim, and the aragonite substrate helps maintain stable water parameters. It’s a striking addition to any Malawi cichlid setup.
Colin Mackay –
We added a female to the tank and she blends well with the environment. The tank needs to be large and has plenty of hiding spots. After a few weeks, the water chemistry stabilized with the aragonite substrate. The fish are calm and not aggressive toward other species.
Robert Lawrence –
This cichlid is a beautiful and active fish. The male’s yellow fins stand out in the dim light. We use African driftwood to create caves, and the fish uses them frequently. The tank has been stable for over six months with no issues.