(Haplochromis moorii)
Origin
The Blue Dolphin or Blue Dophin as this fish is known, has the scientific name Cyrtocara moorii. Until recently it was known as Haplochromis moorii. It is part of the family Cichlidae, genus Cyrtocara.
Among the exotic fish species that can impress with their presence in home aquariums, office or used as decoration in public spaces, the Blue Dolphin is among the most fascinating and effective.
The vivid, almost fluorescent blue color, shape and size they reach, contribute to being defined as the ideal aquarium fish.
Native to Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe in East Africa, they are not an endangered species, being considered by scientists even a problem species, despite their relatively small habitat. Members of the cichlid family, these fish are found in aquariums all over the world, Cyrtocara moorii having prices accessible to any aquaristic enthusiast.
Blue Dolphins prefer open waters, where they will make large nests for breeding. These fish prefer shallow waters with Sandy undercoat.
They can be found under different names both in our country and in the literature: Malawi Blue Deflin, Blue Dolphin cichlid, Blue Dolphin, Malawi dolphin or simple moorii.
Feeding over the Blue Dolphin
Cyrtocara moorii are a species of micro-predators whose diet should consist mainly of shrimp, chopped bream, but also dry food.
Be careful, however, not to feed exclusively with dry food because the species needs diversity in food.
Depending on the fauna of the aquarium should be fed at least 2-3 times a day.
Features and description over the Blue Dolphin
This fish is easy to identify due to its massive shape and dense blue hue. It has a massive, bulging head in the upper part of the front and the allure of a bison. They grow quite large, reaching 15-20 cm in length and its fins are relatively long. Specimens have also been seen at 25cm or even higher. Size is one of the distinguishing criteria of sex.
Males tend to be slightly larger than females, at the same time females are denser in the trunk than males. Males will have longer fins than females and will have a “hump” on the forehead. Females will rarely have this bulge on their foreheads, and this will be a hallmark of dominance. Dominant males will have a much larger forehead bulge than subdominant or juvenile males.
They are found in various shades of blue, from turquoise to silvery blue, and the distinctive feature is the growth on the forehead that appears in both males and females and develops as the fish ages.
To be kept in the aquarium, this species needs an aquarium of at least 300 liters. The aquarium also needs a sandy substrate and needs to be airy, providing plenty of room for installation. It is recommended to avoid decoration from Stones, this species can get injured in the decor elements.
The temperature should be between 25 and 27 degrees C, and the Ph of the water 8 to 8.5. These subtle differences are extremely important.
Breeding over the Blue Dolphin
Breeding this fish is best done through a ventilation process.
Young moors are very difficult to distinguish in terms of sex, so for mating it is recommended to purchase more than 10 young fish that are allowed to develop until adulthood.
The male prepares the space for mating by digging into the substrate and changing its color to a more intense shade. Interested females approach the space prepared by the Male, where they will lay their eggs so that the male can fertilize them.
Females spawn between 20 and 90 eggs, with an incubation period of up to 3 weeks.
