Blue Dolphin Cichlid
Cyrtocara moorii
Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Blue Dolphin Cichlid?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 77–84°F (25–29°C)
- pH
- 7.5–8.8
- GH
- 10–25 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivorous micropredator
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 25–29 °C, pH 7.5–8.8, GH 10–25 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Blue Dolphin Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Offer varied suitably sized foods, including regular live or frozen prey; do not rely on dried food alone.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Malawi.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Blue Dolphin Cichlid get?
Blue Dolphin Cichlid reaches ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.
What aquarium size does Blue Dolphin Cichlid need?
Use an aquarium of at least 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Is Blue Dolphin Cichlid peaceful?
Blue Dolphin Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Blue Dolphin Cichlid?
Keep it between 25 to 29 °C.
