Furry Diary

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Blue Dolphin Cichlid

Cyrtocara moorii Boulenger, 1902

Also called Malawi Blue Dolphin, Hump-head Cichlid, Moorii, Haplochromis moorii

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa, found over sandy bottoms in fairly shallow water around the lake.123

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 25 cm123
Sizemedium
Gentle nature
Beautiful even blue colour
Distinctive dolphin-like head
23

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied haplochromine with a nuchal hump

A rounded, sky-blue cichlid that grows a tall forehead hump, giving it a dolphin-like profile.32

Coloursturquoise to silvery blue3

Personality what they are like

Calm and friendly for a Malawi cichlid; it prefers peaceful companions and only gets assertive while spawning.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Cruises steadily in small groups over open sand and appreciates long swimming space.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A sandy floor, open water and a few rocks; steady, clean, hard water suits it best.21

Home where they are happiest

At least 150 x 38 cm base (about 257 litres), 24 to 29 C, pH about 7.2 to 8.8 and 10 to 25 dGH.213

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micro-predator; offer live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp alongside quality prepared foods.2

Company who they like around

Lives in small groups with two or three females per male; good tankmates are Frontosa and other large, peaceful haps.2

The story where it all began

George Boulenger described the species in 1902, and it was long known in the hobby as Haplochromis moorii. Its name honours the English biologist J. E. S. Moore, and it is now the only member of its genus.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In the lake it follows sand-sifting cichlids and snaps up small animals they stir from the bottom.2

  2. 2

    Both males and females grow the tall forehead hump.2

  3. 3

    It is the only species in its genus, Cyrtocara.3

  4. 4

    Its fry are known for growing very slowly.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Vulnerable (assessed 23 May 2018)1
Taxonomy
Described by Boulenger in 1902; the only species in the genus Cyrtocara3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Dolphin Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blue Dolphin Cichlid?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This steady routine suits their calm, cruising nature.2 Furry Diary plan

What does a Blue Dolphin Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

As a micro-predator, it enjoys live and frozen foods like bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality prepared foods. Avoid any foods not meant for cichlids, and always check with your vet for specific concerns.2

How much space does a Blue Dolphin Cichlid need?

It needs a tank with a base of at least 150 x 38 cm (about 257 litres) to allow long swimming space. This matches its need to cruise steadily in small groups.213

What temperature, light or water does a Blue Dolphin Cichlid need?

Keep water at 24 to 29°C, pH around 7.2 to 8.8, and hardness 10 to 25 dGH. Steady, clean, hard water with a sandy floor and a few rocks suits it best.213

How often should I clean a Blue Dolphin Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Test water weekly to keep conditions stable. Furry Diary plan

Can a Blue Dolphin Cichlid live with others?

Yes, it lives in small groups with two or three females per male, and good tankmates include Frontosa and other large, peaceful haps. It is calm and friendly, only getting assertive while spawning.23

How long does a Blue Dolphin Cichlid live?

Lifespan varies with care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific expectations. With steady conditions, they can be long-lived companions.

Can I handle a Blue Dolphin Cichlid?

Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate slime coat. Enjoy watching its dolphin-like profile cruise over the sand instead.23

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. FishBase species summary: Cyrtocara moorii Boulenger, 1902 fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
  2. Seriously Fish: Cyrtocara moorii Boulenger, 1902 seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Cyrtocara moorii Boulenger, 1902 en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.