Cyrtocara Moorii

Subject: Cyrtocara Moorii 11/30/2009, 1:21 pm

scientific name: Cyrtocara Moorii
common name: Blue Dolphin Cichlid
region: Lake Malawi Africa
ph: 7.2 to 8.6
temp: 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
size: 8 to 10 inches
life span: to 12 years

First imported to the United Stated in 1968, this peaceful cichlid of the eastern part of Lake Malawi has become a popular cichlid among hobbiest.

In the wild Cyrtocara Moorii can be found in the shallow sandy waters in the eastern parts of lake Malawi. Considered to be micro predators, Cyrtocara Moorii follow other cichlids who dig in he sand for food and consume small eatable organisms stirred up by the diggers. Cyrtocara Moorii can grow up to 10 inches and have a life span of around 12 years.

Now to the best part, In your tank. Cyrtocara Moorii should be housed in a aquarium of at least 55 gallons or better with a sandy substrate and a few caves for hiding. Cyrtocara Moorii should also provide plenty of free swimming room without many obstructions. Cyrtocara Moorii are peaceful cichlids but are tough enough to hold their own but are best housed with various mildly aggressive cichlids, plecos, synodontis catfish and corydoras. Don't be afraid to try live plants in your aquarium as Cyrtocara Moorii will not harm most live plants.

Although in the wild Cyrtocara Moorii are considered to be micro predictors, they will accept a wide range of foods in the aquarium including brine shrimp, blood worms, beef hearts, flakes and or pellets.

Growing to a size of up to 10 inches the Cyrtocara Moorii have a rich blue coloring. In conjunction with the blue color and nuchal hump (head bump),and large lips the nickname dolphin has become well fitting for this wonderful fish.

Breeding Cyrtocara Moorii is relatively hard in the home aquarium and most found in pet stores are wild caught. If you plan to breed in home tank Cyrtocara Moorii requires frequent water changes and a high protein diet and flat rocks to lay eggs on before brooding begins.
Cyrtocara Moorii will lay any where from 20 to 90 eggs per spawn and can spawn as often as two months. While brooding the fry are able to eat micro worms. Cyrtocara Moorii Moori10