Do all Blue Dolphin Cichlids develop a hump?

Males develop larger, more prominent cranial humps than females. The hump grows with age and is influenced by diet and genetics. Females may develop a smaller hump.

Can Blue Dolphins be kept with mbuna?

No, mbuna are too aggressive for the peaceful Blue Dolphin. Keep with other large, peaceful haplochromine cichlids and Synodontis catfish instead.

How big do Blue Dolphin Cichlids get?

Adults reach approximately 25 cm. They need a large tank of at least 450 litres with plenty of open swimming space and a sandy substrate.

Are Blue Dolphin Cichlids easy to breed?

They are maternal mouthbrooders with moderate breeding difficulty. Keep 1 male with 2-3 females. The female carries eggs in her mouth for about 3 weeks.

What water conditions do Blue Dolphins need?

They require hard, alkaline water: pH 7.5-8.5 and hardness 10-20 dGH at 24-28°C. This replicates their Lake Malawi habitat.

Cyrtocara moorii

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

Name: Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: JP00
Price: 10.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Peaceful

£10.99In Stock

A peaceful Lake Malawi cichlid with a striking blue colour and dolphin-like head profile. Males develop impressive cranial humps with age. Available individually with live arrival guarantee.

African CichlidCichlidCichlidaeLake Malawi CichlidLarge FishLive FishModerate CarePeaceful

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Cyrtocara moorii

Adult Size

25 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

7.5–8.5

Hardness

10–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

450L

Diet

Pellets, frozen foods, live foods

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

7.5–8.5

7.5Ideal Range8.5

Water Hardness

10–20 dGH

10 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii), also known as the Hump-Head Cichlid or Malawi Dolphin, is a peaceful haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi prized for its striking blue colour and dolphin-like head profile. This species is rated as moderate care and can live up to 10 years.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Cyrtocara moorii
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	East Africa (Lake Malawi)
Care Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	25 cm
Minimum Tank Size	450 litres
Temperature	24–28°C
pH Range	7.5–8.5
Water Hardness	10–20 dGH
Diet	Pellets, frozen foods, live foods
Lifespan	10 years
Tank Region	All levels
Group Size	1 male with 2–3 females

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it inhabits sandy substrates in open water. Males develop a prominent cranial hump as they mature, giving them the distinctive dolphin-like profile. They are the sole member of the genus Cyrtocara.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 450 litres with a sandy substrate and open swimming areas. Adults reach approximately 25 cm. Maintain water temperature between 24–28°C with a pH of 7.5–8.5 and hardness of 10–20 dGH. Hard, alkaline water is essential.

Feeding Guide

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is an omnivore. Offer quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and krill, and occasional live foods. They are deliberate feeders. Feed once or twice daily.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions include other large haplochromine cichlids and Synodontis catfish. Avoid mbuna, small fish, and aggressive species. You might also consider species such as Albino Blue Dolphin Cichlid, Lwanda Peacock Cichlid, and Hongi Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Blue Dolphin Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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