Blue Dolphin

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Scientific Name: Cyrtocara moorii

Common Names: Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Malawi Blue Dolphin

Basic Information:

• Native From: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Maximum Size: Around 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in captivity; can grow slightly larger in the wild.
• Growth Rate: Moderate; takes a few years to reach full size.
• Life Span: 8–10 years with proper care, sometimes longer.
• Diet: Omnivorous, primarily feeding on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and plankton in the wild. In aquariums, they eat pellets, flakes, and protein-rich foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept in a group with a dominant male.

Breeding Information:

• Breeding Season: No fixed season, but they breed when conditions are optimal (warm water and good diet).
• Breeding Type: Mouthbrooders (females hold the fertilized eggs in their mouths for about 3 weeks before releasing the fry).

Best Tank Mates:

Blue Dolphin Cichlids do well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids that share similar water parameters and sizes. Some good tank mates include:

• Other Haplochromis species
• Peacocks (Aulonocara species)
• Frontosa cichlids
• Synodontis catfish
• Deep-bodied Mbuna (like Labidochromis caeruleus)

Avoid:

• Very aggressive cichlids (e.g., Mbuna like Melanochromis or Pseudotropheus species)
• Small, delicate fish (they may be bullied or eaten)

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons (473 liters) for a group
• Water Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Level: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel (to mimic their natural habitat)
• Decor: Rocks, caves, and open swimming space