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Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Freshwater

Cichlid

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Difficulty Level

Intermediate Care

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a peaceful, hump-headed species from Lake Malawi, admired for its shimmering powder-blue body and expressive, dolphin-like facial structure. It thrives in larger tanks and displays graceful, confident swimming behavior.

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Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Freshwater

Cichlid

Save

Pro

Share

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Freshwater

Cichlid

Save

Difficulty Level

Intermediate Care

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a peaceful, hump-headed species from Lake Malawi, admired for its shimmering powder-blue body and expressive, dolphin-like facial structure. It thrives in larger tanks and displays graceful, confident swimming behavior.

Pro

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Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs space, stable water, and a calm environment with proper tank mates.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Widely bred in captivity; minimal pressure on wild populations.

Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, particularly the southern and central sandy-bottom zones.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature males develop a distinct nuchal hump and luminous blue body. Fins are long and flowing, with metallic iridescence. Known for gliding movements and inquisitive personality.

Purpose
Serves as a calm centerpiece fish in African cichlid setups. Its non-aggressive nature helps regulate aggression among more dominant species, and its size adds visual presence.

Importance
Highly valued for its beauty, peaceful disposition, and ability to bring visual softness to aggressive cichlid communities. Offers a manageable alternative to larger predatory haps.

Included Resources
Requires fine sand substrate, rock formations, and open swimming areas. Strong filtration and consistent water chemistry are essential for long-term health.

Best Use Cases
Best suited for spacious Malawi or mixed African cichlid tanks. Can be kept with peaceful haps, peacocks, or larger rainbowfish in well-managed tanks.

Conservation Context
Populations in Lake Malawi are stable. Aquarium strains reduce wild capture needs, though habitat protection in Malawi remains crucial for the lake’s biodiversity.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Copadichromis and Aulonocara
• Placidochromis and Protomelas
• Synodontis catfish
• Larger rainbowfish
• Calm tankmates only; avoid mbuna or fin-nippers

Region (A)
• Latitude: -12.2906° S
• Longitude: 34.7366° E
(Central Lake Malawi, Mozambique side)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -14.0400° S
• Longitude: 33.0869° E
(Southern Lake Malawi, Malawi side)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

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Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs space, stable water, and a calm environment with proper tank mates.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Widely bred in captivity; minimal pressure on wild populations.

Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, particularly the southern and central sandy-bottom zones.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature males develop a distinct nuchal hump and luminous blue body. Fins are long and flowing, with metallic iridescence. Known for gliding movements and inquisitive personality.

Purpose
Serves as a calm centerpiece fish in African cichlid setups. Its non-aggressive nature helps regulate aggression among more dominant species, and its size adds visual presence.

Importance
Highly valued for its beauty, peaceful disposition, and ability to bring visual softness to aggressive cichlid communities. Offers a manageable alternative to larger predatory haps.

Included Resources
Requires fine sand substrate, rock formations, and open swimming areas. Strong filtration and consistent water chemistry are essential for long-term health.

Best Use Cases
Best suited for spacious Malawi or mixed African cichlid tanks. Can be kept with peaceful haps, peacocks, or larger rainbowfish in well-managed tanks.

Conservation Context
Populations in Lake Malawi are stable. Aquarium strains reduce wild capture needs, though habitat protection in Malawi remains crucial for the lake’s biodiversity.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Copadichromis and Aulonocara
• Placidochromis and Protomelas
• Synodontis catfish
• Larger rainbowfish
• Calm tankmates only; avoid mbuna or fin-nippers

Region (A)
• Latitude: -12.2906° S
• Longitude: 34.7366° E
(Central Lake Malawi, Mozambique side)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -14.0400° S
• Longitude: 33.0869° E
(Southern Lake Malawi, Malawi side)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

Pro

Pro gives you more—expert care, rich insights, AI care tools –

Get Pro

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs space, stable water, and a calm environment with proper tank mates.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Widely bred in captivity; minimal pressure on wild populations.

Origin
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, particularly the southern and central sandy-bottom zones.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Mature males develop a distinct nuchal hump and luminous blue body. Fins are long and flowing, with metallic iridescence. Known for gliding movements and inquisitive personality.

Purpose
Serves as a calm centerpiece fish in African cichlid setups. Its non-aggressive nature helps regulate aggression among more dominant species, and its size adds visual presence.

Importance
Highly valued for its beauty, peaceful disposition, and ability to bring visual softness to aggressive cichlid communities. Offers a manageable alternative to larger predatory haps.

Included Resources
Requires fine sand substrate, rock formations, and open swimming areas. Strong filtration and consistent water chemistry are essential for long-term health.

Best Use Cases
Best suited for spacious Malawi or mixed African cichlid tanks. Can be kept with peaceful haps, peacocks, or larger rainbowfish in well-managed tanks.

Conservation Context
Populations in Lake Malawi are stable. Aquarium strains reduce wild capture needs, though habitat protection in Malawi remains crucial for the lake’s biodiversity.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Copadichromis and Aulonocara
• Placidochromis and Protomelas
• Synodontis catfish
• Larger rainbowfish
• Calm tankmates only; avoid mbuna or fin-nippers

Region (A)
• Latitude: -12.2906° S
• Longitude: 34.7366° E
(Central Lake Malawi, Mozambique side)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -14.0400° S
• Longitude: 33.0869° E
(Southern Lake Malawi, Malawi side)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Region

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