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: 7.2 - 8.6

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°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

General Information

The Malawi Blue Dolphin (Cyrtocara moorii) is a gentle, sand-associated haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. In nature it patrols shallow sandy areas, often hovering above the bottom and making short sorties over open substrate. Adults commonly reach 17–20 cm (6.5–8″) with large males developing a pronounced nuchal hump; exceptional individuals can approach 25 cm (≈10″). Keep in spacious aquaria with long swimming runs and sand underfoot.

Food and Feeding

An omnivorous micro-predator. In the wild it is known to follow sand-sifting cichlids and pick exposed small invertebrates and zooplankton from the water column and disturbed sand. In aquaria use high-quality cichlid pellets/granules as staple, plus frozen or live foods (daphnia, mysis, krill, brine shrimp), and occasional spirulina-based items for balance. Avoid mammalian/avian meats; feed modest portions 1–2× daily.

Sexing

Males grow larger with a more developed nuchal hump and typically show deeper blue coloration; females are smaller and less intensely colored. Juveniles can be difficult to sex until maturity.

Breeding

C. moorii is a maternal mouthbrooder. Males clear a patch of sand or a flat stone for spawning; the female picks up fertilized eggs and incubates them in her mouth for roughly 3–4 weeks depending on temperature (≈21–28 days is typical). After release, offer the fry newly hatched brine shrimp and fine powdered foods. Best kept as one male with several females in large tanks.

Lifespan

With excellent water quality and diet, expect 8–12 years; large, well-kept adults living beyond a decade are common.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Tank size: for a single adult or harem start around 250 L / 65 gal; larger footprints (120 cm/4′ and up) are strongly preferred for groups and stability.
• Substrate & layout: fine sand is ideal (natural behavior, safe sifting); add open sandy areas with some rockwork for line-of-sight breaks; moderate flow; strong biological filtration.
• Water: hard, alkaline Lake Malawi conditions: pH ~7.2–8.6, hardness ~10–18 °dH, temperature 24–26 °C. High oxygenation and stability are crucial.
• Maintenance: large, regular water changes (30–50%) and careful stocking to keep aggression and bioload manageable.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Relatively peaceful for a large hap, but still a sizeable cichlid. Combine with other Lake Malawi species of comparable size and temperament; avoid tiny fish that could be viewed as prey and very aggressive mbuna that may harass calmer haps. A single male with multiple females works well in roomy setups.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Mid–lower water column (benthopelagic): cruises above sand, making short dashes to pick food. Provide open lanes over substrate to see natural “hover and glean” behavior.

Short Description

Malawi Blue Dolphin (Cyrtocara moorii) is a graceful, sand-zone hap from Lake Malawi. Keep in large, alkaline, well-filtered tanks with sandy bottoms, balanced carnivore-leaning diets, and subdued but open layouts. Maternal mouthbrooder; males develop a distinctive forehead hump.

Q&A

• Is it aggressive? Calmer than many Malawi cichlids, but its size means small fish can be at risk; house with similarly sized Malawi companions.
• Sand necessary? Strongly recommended—this species associates with sandy areas and behaves most naturally over sand.
• How long do females hold? Roughly 3–4 weeks depending on temperature; they usually do not eat while mouthbrooding.

Pictures

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