Cichlid Moori – Blue Dolphin | Cyrtocara moorii

The Blue Moorii Cyrtocara moorii (formerly Haplochromis moorii) is an exotic cichlid native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It gets rather large, reaching nearly 10 inches (25.4 cm) in length. The overall color is a beautiful blue with varying amounts of black markings depending on where each individual comes from. Its body is compact and elongated with a slightly elongated snout, and with age it develops a large bump on its head. Its beautiful color and attractive shape make this a great show specimen for a large cichlid aquarium.

Be it male or female, this cichlid develops a distinct hump on its head as it matures. This skull hump is located on the front of its body and just above and behind its cute pointed snout. These distinctive features make it look like a dolphin, although it is much smaller. It has become commonly known as the Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Malawi Blue Dolphin, Hump-head, Blue Lumphead, Hap moorii, and Humphead Mouthbrooder.

The common name Hump-head does create a bit of confusion. This is the name more often used when referring to the Frontosa Cichlid Cyphotilapia frontosa, which is native to Lake Tanganyika. This fish also develops the most impressive hump. These two cichlids are indeed similar to each other in shape and size, but can be distinguished by the blue color found only in Blue Moorii. Frontosa has six or seven broad black stripes on a white background with blue tint mainly on the fins and sometimes on the snout.

This is a more peaceful cichlid overall, but males can become aggressive towards other males of their own kind. They are a polygamous species and it is best to keep one male with at least three females. They are territorial when laying eggs, but unlike other cichlids, they do not defend territory outside of breeding. These gentle giants are durable enough to get by with the softer Malawian cichlids. In a cichlid community tank, the peacock cichlid of the genus Aulonancara and the larger light behavior can make good tank mates. This fish can also be kept with Frontosa and Synodontis catfish. Avoid smaller fish as they will be intimidated by their size.

The Blue Dolphin is fairly easy to care for as long as the tank is large enough, the water is kept clean, and the aquascaping is correct. A large aquarium is required for this fish, with a minimum size of 75 gallons and a recommended length of 5 feet. Don’t overstock the tank as this fish has a flighty nature and can hurt itself if the environment is too crowded. He likes an aquarium with a sandy bottom, some rocks with caves to hide in, and lots of open space for swimming. Keep decorations along the back and sides of the tank to make room for the tank to swim.

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