Dolphin Cichlid - Profile

Scientific Name(s)	: Cyrtocara moorii , Haplochromis moorii
Common Name(s)	: Malawi Blue Dolphin
Family	: Cichlidae
Species Type	: African Cichlids, Lake Malawi
Maximum Size	: Up to 8 inches
Life Span	: 12 years
Natural Habitat	: Lake Malawi, Africa.
Minimum Tank Size	: 55 gallons
Tank Region	: All levels.
Possible Tank Mates	: Less aggressive malawi cichlids
Temperature	: 24 - 28°C
pH Range	:  7.5 - 8.5
Hardness	: 10° - 18°

Description: Malawi Blue Dolphin are from Lake Malawi Africa. They are also know by the names Moorii. Usually found shallow waters with sandy bottoms. Most reach a average size of 20 cm - 25 cm, but some can grow larger in length. Males grow larger with a much larger nuchal hump on their head. The females of this species, tend to be slightly smaller in size with much smaller nuchal hump on their head. You should have this cichlid in a minimum tank size of 4 foot or bigger. This cichlid does well in community tanks with less aggressive fish like Peacocks and Electric Yellows etc. They need lots of swimming space with a nice fine substrate. Keep a temperature range from 24°C - 28°C is good. This cichlid is a mellow cichlid, but can get very aggressive around spawning time. This is not a demanding cichlid as far as foods go. This cichlid will eat a variety of foods from live worms, Brine shrimp to veggies, frozen worms, flake foods, pellets and cichlid sticks. Classified as a micro-predator, it follows close behind substrate-digging cichlids - like Taeniolethrinops praeorbitalis, Fossorochromis rostratus, and Mylochromis lateristriga – and feeds on the small edible organisms and particles that get stirred up behind them as they feed.

Breeding Information: Mouthbrooder. Malawi Blue Dolphins are pretty easy to breed and dont usually reach sexual maturity till around the 10 - 12cm mark. They are mouthbrooders and the female will hold the fry for approx 18 - 21 days before she will release them. When she finally releases them, they will be free swimming and ready to eat. Fry can be fed on numerous foods like Crushed Flake, brine shrimp, spirulina etc. 

Sexing Information: Very hard to determine.  Usually males grow larger with larger nuchal hump. 

Diet: Carnivorous - prefers live foods or frozen foods over flake or pellet foods. 

Temperament: Relatively peaceful.  

Common Diseases: None specific to species