Majestic Hap. Moorii Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii) | Fish R Us

Description

Majestic Hap. Moorii Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Add a touch of playful elegance to your tank with the Majestic Hap. Moorii Dolphin Cichlid. Known to aquarium enthusiasts as the “Hap Moorii” or “Blue Dolphin,” this incredibly popular African cichlid is beloved for its beautiful sky-blue to deep royal-blue color. As they mature, both males and females develop a prominent, distinct cranial hump that gives them their famous, endearing dolphin-like appearance.

Unlike many other energetic Malawi cichlids, the Blue Dolphin is relatively mild-mannered, making it a wonderful and peaceful companion for a large, specialized open-water cichlid community. They are active swimmers, full of curiosity, and highly interactive with their owners.

Key Features & Behavior

• Iconic Dolphin Silhouette: The unique nuchal hump and friendly facial profile make this one of the most distinctive and highly recognizable fish in the hobby.

• Brilliant Blue Display: Their bodies shimmer with a uniform, striking blue hue that looks absolutely spectacular under standard aquarium lighting.

• Gentle Giants: They are generally peaceful giants among Haps, preferring to swim gracefully in the open water rather than constantly squabbling over rocks.

Species Specifications

• Scientific Name: Cyrtocara moorii (syn. Haplochromis moorii)

• Common Name: Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Hap Moorii, Malawi Dolphin

• Max Size: 8–10 inches

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (125+ gallons preferred for a group)

• Water Parameters: pH 7.8–8.6, Hard water, Temperature: 74°F–82°F

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Carnivorous/Omnivorous. In the wild, they follow substrate-sifters to eat uncovered micro-crustaceans. In the aquarium, they thrive on high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and regular treats of frozen foods like mysis shrimp, krill, or brine shrimp.

• Aquarium Decor: Provide plenty of open swimming space. Use a sandy substrate to accommodate their natural foraging habits, along with a few large rocks around the perimeter for security.

• Tankmates: They do best when kept in small groups (one male to multiple females) and house beautifully with other peaceful Lake Malawi Haps and Peacock cichlids. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive Mbuna.