Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Cyrtocara moorii, known as either the Humphead or the Malawi Blue Dolphin, is a widely spread benthopelagic cichlid of Lake Malawi.
PH: 7.0 – 9.0
Temperature: 24°C – 26°C (74 – 79F)
Hardness: 10 – 18 dH
Description: Cyrtocara moorii is a popular species that can reach a maximum length of around 20 cm. Males have a prominent nuchal hump, giving it its common name: Humphead. This species has an elongated snout and a blue colouration. Interestingly, its other common name, Malawi Blue Dolphin, was coined because this elongated snout is said to resemble a dolphin’s face. It has a life expectancy of 12 years.
Diet: This species is not fussy when it comes to feeding time. You can offer it cichlid flakes, pellets and frozen foods. Live foods – bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart chunks – should be added to a well-balanced diet.
Breeding: The Humphead is a mouthbrooding, egg laying species. Males will dig a hole in a substrate or find a flat, clean rock for a spawning site. He will fertilise the eggs and the female will then incubate them. The eggs will hatch after 18 – 21 days; the fry will be released a week later. To maximise your chances of breeding, you should house one male with several females.
Comments: This species will require plenty of swimming room, rockwork for caves, and a sandy substrate. You should house this species in a large aquarium; you should also keep Cyrtocara moorii in groups of six. A 75 gallon tank should hold several adults. The Malawian Blue Dolphin is suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Cyrtocara moorii is a very peaceful cichlid, compared to others from the Lake Malawi region. You could house this species with other peaceful haps and peacocks – but definitely not with mbunas.
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