CRYTOCARA MOORII (BLUE DOLPHIN)

SCIENTIFIC NAMES(S): Crytocara moorii, Haplachromis moorii

Common Name(s): Blue Dolphin

Origin: Africa

Family: Cichlidae.

Species Type: Moorii, Blue Dolphin

Maximum Size: Up to 10 to 11 Inches

Life Span: 9-15 Years under optimal conditions.

Natural Habitat: Sandy shorelines and areas of Lake Malawi. Prefers smoother bottom terrain and sometimes deeper waters. Prefers to have some cover around for protection. This species is believed to be somewhat of a schooling fish.

Diet: Will accept most live foods readily. Can eat flake and sticks and will accept frozen brine shrimp , beef hearts, blood worms etc.

Temperature: 73-77 degrees.

PH: 7-9 pH and 10-20 dGH, slightly to moderate alkaline medium hard water.

Minimum Tank Size: 55-75 gallon

Tank Region: Mid to lower tank mostly, but will use all areas of the tank.

Temperament: Territorial during breeding and peaceful to other males.

Possible Tank Mates: Venestus, Blue ahlis, Red Empress, Compressiceps, Electric Yellows and Synodontis cats.

Filtration and Setup: Any HOB ,mechanical, chemical, canister or trickle filter will work fine if used with frequent water changes of at least 1/3 weekly. Prefers sandy bottoms but gravel or stone can be used as well for a substrate. This species likes caves and rocky ledges as well.

Coloration: Blue body and tanish forehead, males get a larger cranial hump than the female, beautiful dark blue in the anal and caudal fins of a male.

Breeding: Breeds in the the typical Cichlid mating dance. During the dance the female will lay up to 20 to 90 eggs then take them into her mouth to be fertilized by the male. The female will carry the eggs in her caudal sac about 3 weeks to a month before releasing them. She will then watch over them for a week or so before they are on their own. Breeding usually takes place on a piece of slate or a pit made out in a sandy bottom.

two one inch fry on slate: