Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 100 gallons and 75-82°F. A large, peaceful Lake Malawi cichlid known for the rounded hump on the male's forehead. It is a sand-sifting hunter in the wild and does best in hard, alkaline water with open swimming space and calm tankmates, not boisterous mbuna.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Cyrtocara moorii |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Malawi, East Africa |
| Adult size | 8-10 in |
| Minimum tank | 100 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 7.5-8.6 |
| Temperament | Peaceful for its size, but eats small fish and is easily outcompeted by aggressive mbuna |
| Social behavior | One male with females, or a single fish |
| Swim level | Mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore/omnivore: quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, krill |
| Typical lifespan | 10+ years |
Quick tips
- Plan for a tank of 100 gallons or more as an adult.
- Do not mix with very aggressive mbuna; it is slow to feed and gets bullied.
- Do not keep with small fish it can swallow.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi