A striking blue Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlid famous for the pronounced nuchal hump (head bump) that develops in mature adults, resembling a dolphin. They are benthopelagic micro-predators that naturally follow digging fish in the wild to catch stirred-up morsels. While relatively peaceful for an African Cichlid, they grow very large and require extensive swimming space and hard, alkaline water.
Blue Dolphin (Hap) At a Glance
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Tank Requirements
Will Blue Dolphin (Hap) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Blue Dolphin (Hap) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Blue Dolphin (Hap) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Blue Dolphin (Hap) Water Parameters
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Blue Dolphin (Hap) Temperament & Compatibility
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult Male
Mature males develop a massive, iconic nuchal hump on the forehead and brilliant light blue coloration. Best kept as a single male with multiple females (harem) or in a carefully balanced all-male Hap/Peacock setup.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Bull
Adult Female
Females are slightly smaller and generally lack the massive nuchal hump, though they retain the beautiful blue coloration of the species. Significantly more peaceful than males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Hap
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Blue Dolphins are silvery-blue with dark blotchy spots and lack the head hump entirely. They grow quickly and will eventually require a 125+ gallon aquarium.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Unsexed
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Care Guide Summary
The Blue Dolphin (Hap), scientifically known as Cyrtocara moorii, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Blue Dolphin (Hap) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 475 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Blue Dolphin (Hap) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Adult Male, Adult Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Blue Dolphin (Hap), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Blue Dolphin (Hap) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Blue Dolphin (Hap) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Blue Dolphin (Hap).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Dolphin (Hap)
How big does Blue Dolphin (Hap) get?
Blue Dolphin (Hap) (Cyrtocara moorii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Blue Dolphin (Hap) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 475 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Blue Dolphin (Hap). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Blue Dolphin (Hap) need?
Blue Dolphin (Hap) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Blue Dolphin (Hap) peaceful or aggressive?
Blue Dolphin (Hap) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) live alone?
Yes, Blue Dolphin (Hap) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Blue Dolphin (Hap) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Blue Dolphin (Hap) benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Blue Dolphin (Hap)
These plants pair well with Blue Dolphin (Hap) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis rhoadesii
A massive, apex-predator Haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. They are open-water pursuit predators characterized by an immense mouth and a distinct diagonal stripe across the body. Due to their enormous adult size and strictly piscivorous nature, they require massive aquariums and can only be housed with similarly large, robust species. Any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten.
Electric Blue Hap
Sciaenochromis fryeri
The Electric Blue Hap is a striking Lake Malawi cichlid. In the wild, they are specialized piscivores that hunt the fry of other cichlids among the rocks. Due to extreme sexual dimorphism, mature males develop a brilliant metallic blue coloration, while females remain a drab silver-brown. They are best kept in a large, hard-water aquarium either as a single showpiece male in an 'all-male' Hap/Peacock display, or as a single male with a harem of multiple females.
Malawi Gar
Lichnochromis acuticeps
An elegant, predatory Haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, named for its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and pointed snout. While it is a true piscivore that will hunt small fish, it is surprisingly peaceful toward other similarly sized cichlids. A fantastic centerpiece for a large 'Hap and Peacock' setup.
Sunset Hap
Dimidiochromis strigatus
A striking, large, open-water predator native to Lake Malawi. As its name implies, mature males develop a spectacular 'sunset' coloration with a blue head fading into a deep orange-red belly. They are pursuit/ambush predators and will readily consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (including small Mbuna). Best kept in an all-male Hap/Peacock display or in a harem (1 male to multiple females).
Three-Spot Torpedo Hap
Exochochromis anagenys
A striking, large predatory haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for its torpedo-shaped body (fusiform), it is an open-water hunter that preys on smaller fish like mbuna. While highly predatory and requiring a massive tank, they are relatively mild-mannered toward tankmates too large to be swallowed. Conspecific males, however, are violently intolerant of one another.
Frontosa
Cyphotilapia frontosa
A majestic and iconic deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its striking black and white bands and the prominent nuchal hump on its head. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants compared to other African cichlids. However, they are highly effective piscivores and will easily consume smaller fish. They are best kept in a 'harem' colony of one male to multiple females.