Malawi blue dolphin - Cyrtocara moorii

Scientific name: Cyrtocara moorii

Common name: Malawi blue dolphin

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 17 - 25 cm (6.69 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.2 - 8.6

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Malawi blue dolphins are not fussy eaters, they will accept quality flake, cichlid pellets. Spirulina flake added to the diet will benefit the fish.

Origin

Africa; Malawi blue dolphin is endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

Malawi blue dolphins are very hard to sex; it is believed that the males will develop a larger nuchal hump when mature. Both sexes coloration will be the same.

Breeding

The male will dig a pit in the substrate or clear a flat rock to use as the spawning site. The eggs are fertilized as soon as they are laid and the female will immediately pick them up for mouth brooding. The eggs will hatch after 18-21 days, a week later the fry will be released. With this species, it is best to house one male with several females.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Cyrtocara moorii is 12 years.

Short description

Cyrtocara moorii will grow large; an aquarium of at least 75 gallons is required to house several adults. It is quite tolerant of water conditions but weekly water changes are a must.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.