Fish
Blue Dolphin Cichlid
Cyrtocara moorii
Origin: Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. Inhabits sandy shallows around the entire lake perimeter, especially near the transition zones between sand and rocky shores. Forms small groups that follow large sand-sifting cichlids to catch disturbed invertebrates.
Also known as: Dolphin cichlid, Moorii cichlid, Cyrtocara moorii
Fact sheet
- Size
- 23 cm
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Minimum tank size
- 300 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.8–8.6
- Hardness GH
- 10–20 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a large Lake Malawi cichlid recognized by its distinctive nuchal hump and silvery-blue coloration. Among the most peaceful of the Malawi cichlids relative to its size, it uses a unique feeding strategy following sand-sifting cichlids. Females are maternal mouthbrooders incubating eggs for 3–4 weeks. The species requires a spacious aquarium with clean, alkaline water matching Lake Malawi conditions and a fine sand substrate.
Appearance
Reaches 20–23 cm. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a rounded head profile and a prominent nuchal hump in adult males. Coloration is silvery-blue with subtle metallic iridescence. The hump becomes well-defined by age 3–4 and is notably larger in males.
Care
Tank of 300 liters minimum, 400+ liters for a group. Lake Malawi-type water: pH 7.8–8.6, GH 10–20, temperature 24–28 °C. Powerful filtration and weekly 30% water changes are essential. Fine sand substrate.
Feeding
Omnivore with a strong lean toward animal protein. Diet: quality cichlid pellets, frozen shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Feed twice daily in moderate portions. Avoid overfeeding.
Compatibility
Relatively peaceful for a large cichlid. Coexists well with other peaceful Lake Malawi haplochromines. Not compatible with small fish. Best as 1 male with several females.
Breeding
Females incubate fertilized eggs in the mouth for 3–4 weeks. Fry can be fed crushed pellets and nauplii immediately after release. Sexually mature at around 2 years.
Fun facts
The nuchal hump is the species' signature feature, more pronounced in males and developing with age. The common name 'dolphin' refers to the dolphin-like head profile. With good care, these fish live over 10 years.