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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available 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
Top Tank Mates
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesBlue 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
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.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Blue Dolphin (Hap).
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.
Similar Species
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.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
Fairy Cichlid (Brichardi)
Neolamprologus brichardi
An elegant but fiercely territorial Lake Tanganyika cichlid. They are famous for their complex social structure, forming massive, multi-generational colonies where older siblings help defend and raise new fry. Due to their extreme territoriality when breeding, they are best kept in a species-only tank, as they will aggressively eliminate non-colony tank mates.
Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.