General information – The Moorii or by its other common name

Malawi blue dolphin is a peaceful cichlid from Lake Malawi. The

Malawi blue dolphin is the only species belonging to the genus

Cyrtocara, in the past it was classified as Haplochromis moorii.

As the Moorii mature the males and sometimes even the females

develop a hump on their heads. There is a lot of variation in the shape

of the fatty hump on the forehead. The hump becomes larger as the

fish grows. It has a beautiful overall blue coloring with elongated snout

that gives the fish its common name the Malawi blue dolphin.  

Common Name - Malawi blue dolphin, Moorii, blue Humphead 

Scientific Name - Cyrtocara moorii 

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin - Lake Malawi 

Size – 25 cm (about 10 inches) 

First discovered – Boulenger 1902

                                                              Photo by: Zachi Drucker

Nutrition - In nature the Malawi blue dolphin feed on small crustaceans. In home tank it will appreciate

meaty diet but will eat almost everything. Flake food, pellet food along with live or frozen food (Mysis,

bloodworms, brine shrimp) will complete its diet. 

Behavior – peaceful  

Maintenance and care – The Moorii need a large tank of 80 gallons or more with plenty room to swim.

The Malawi blue dolphin prefers sand or fine gravel as a substrate in their tank. Rock formation and hiding

places are essential to the moorii.  

Water Parameters – Temperature: 24C-26C (74F-79F), PH: 7.5-8.5, DGH: 10-18 

Breeding - mouthbrooder. Females are very shy holders and can lose their first holds due to lack of

experience. The female will search for a flat surface or will dig a pit in the gravel.In courting time the male

turn its color to deep blue. After spawning, females will hold for 21-25 days. Fry size will depend on the

female's size. Young female can hold about 20 eggs wile matured female can hold even 80-90 eggs in 

her mouth. Fry can be fed on brine shrimp or with fry food. They also known to be slow growers.