Cyrtocara moorii, known as the Blue Dolphin Cichlid, is a stunning and unique fish from Lake Tanganyika, characterized by its distinctive dolphin-like head and vibrant coloration.
Overview
Cyrtocara moorii, commonly known as the Blue Dolphin Cichlid, is a striking fish native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This species is celebrated for its unique appearance, which includes a pronounced, dolphin-like forehead and vibrant blue coloration. The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a peaceful and majestic fish, making it a popular choice for large, well-maintained aquariums.
Tank Requirements
Blue Dolphin Cichlids need a spacious aquarium with a minimum volume of 300 liters due to their size and territorial nature. They thrive in a temperature range of 24-28°C and a pH level between 7.5 and 9.0. The tank should have a substrate of sand or fine gravel and be decorated with rocks and caves to create hiding spots and territories. A robust filtration system is essential to maintain water quality, and regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are necessary.
Feeding and Diet
Cyrtocara moorii is an omnivorous species with a diet that should include high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as shrimp, fish, and worms. In the wild, they feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. Offering a varied diet will help maintain their health and enhance their natural coloration. Feed them 2-3 times a day, ensuring that portions are appropriate to avoid overfeeding.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for Blue Dolphin Cichlids involves maintaining stable water conditions and providing a balanced diet. Perform regular water changes and monitor the fish for common health issues like ich or fin rot. Their peaceful nature makes them suitable for community tanks with other large, non-aggressive species. Due to their territorial behavior, it is important to provide ample hiding spots and space to minimize stress and conflicts.
Compatibility
Cyrtocara moorii is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding. They are best kept with other large, robust fish that can tolerate their size and temperament. Suitable tank mates include other cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and larger species that are not overly aggressive. Avoid housing them with small or overly aggressive fish to prevent stress and potential conflicts.
Breeding
Breeding Cyrtocara moorii in captivity is possible with the right setup. They are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for protection. To encourage breeding, maintain a temperature around 26-28°C and provide a well-structured tank with ample hiding spots and territories. After spawning, the female will incubate the eggs and fry in her mouth for about 3-4 weeks. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed finely crushed pellets or specialized fry food. Proper care and monitoring are essential for successful breeding and healthy fry.