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Freshwater fishDolphin Cichlid
Dolphin Cichlid
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The dolphin cichlid is also called the moorii cichlid. This fish really does resemble a dolphin as it matures to 5" and develops a characteristic hump on the head. The hump, more dominant on the males, will begin to develop at three inches. Solid blue with some black, it is relatively friendly to other cichlids.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cyrtocara moorii |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, Africa |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (males territorial) |
| Adult Size | Up to 8" |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 76–82°F |
| pH | 7.8–8.6 |
| Shipping Size | Medium: approx. 2" · Large: approx. 3" · Jumbo: approx. 4–5" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them a sand bottom, open swimming space in front and rockwork along the back. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.
Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Haps do well with peacocks and other haps of similar size, plus robust catfish like synodontis. Keep one male per similar-looking species, with several females, to limit fighting and crossbreeding.
Good to know: Dolphin (blue moorii) cichlids are calm, slow-growing haps. Both sexes develop the head hump as they age.
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