“Blue Dolphin”

The "Blue Dolphin" cichlid might be the perfect addition to your aquarium if you’re looking to give it a pop of color and personality. Aquarium enthusiasts hold a special place in their hearts for this fish because of its remarkable appearance and distinct behavior. The Blue Dolphin is an eye-catching addition to any tank thanks to its vivid blue colors and unique body shape. Its name is a combination of its gorgeous color and its body shape, which is similar to the sleek form of a dolphin.

The Blue Dolphin cichlid, which is native to the African region around Lake Tanganyika, is a hardy option for many home aquariums because of its adaptability to a range of aquatic environments. These fish can create an interesting dynamic in your tank because of their playful and occasionally territorial nature. With the correct tank mates and care regimen, they can be quite social despite their audacious personality.

Your Blue Dolphin needs proper care to stay healthy and vibrant. They flourish in clean, well-stocked tanks with lots of hiding places and a healthy diet. When everything is set up properly, you can see their intriguing behaviors in addition to their stunning colors. A satisfying addition to your aquatic environment, the Blue Dolphin cichlid can benefit both novice and expert aquarists.

Category Details
Species Name Blue Dolphin (Cyrtocara moorii)
Origin Lake Malawi, Africa
Size Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
Tank Size At least 75 gallons
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Diet Omnivore
Water Conditions pH 7.5-8.5, Temperature 76-82°F (24-28°C)
Care Level Moderate

Habitat

Unique to Africa’s Lake Nyasa, one of the continent’s largest freshwater reservoirs. It can be found at depths of up to 10 meters along the lake’s shoreline with sandy substrates.

In a nutshell:

  • Aquarium volume – from 250-300 l.
  • Temperature – 24-28 ° C
  • pH value – 7.6-9.0
  • Water hardness – from medium to high hardness (10-25 dGH)
  • Substrate type – sandy
  • Lighting – moderate
  • Brackish water – no
  • Water movement – weak
  • Fish size – up to 20 cm.
  • Feeding – any sinking food rich in protein
  • Temperament – relatively peaceful
  • Keeping in a harem with one male and several females

Description

The length of males can reach up to 20 cm. Females measure 16–17 cm, slightly smaller. The body of the fish is a vivid blue color. The sides may have irregularly shaped spots or dark vertical stripes, depending on the particular geographic form.

The fry mostly have gray tones and are not as colorful as they could be. When they get to be about 4 cm in size, blue shades start to show.

Nutrition

Fish have evolved an unusual way to get food in their natural habitat. They feed by sifting sand from the bottom in search of small invertebrates (worms, crabs, insect larvae, etc.) and accompany larger cichlids. The "blue dolphin" gets whatever is left over after it is consumed.

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Give our recently released product, which has quickly become a bestseller, a 4.9 on Ozon. Most fish in aquariums can eat flake food. The manufacturing process for raw materials complies with the new EU 2018/848 standards. includes Omega 3-6 and vitamins A, C, D3, and E.

The feeding strategy in a home aquarium is different; the fish will eat anything that is available, such as daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and popular dry sinking products in the form of flakes and granules.

The hydrochemical composition of Lake Malawi is stable, exhibiting high general hardness (dGH) and alkaline pH levels. An aquarium at home will need to be set up with comparable conditions.

Any style. With a sandy substrate and a pile of stones encircling the tank, the fish will appear most natural. Limestone decorative elements would be a wise choice because they help to stabilize pH levels and increase carbonate hardness. It’s not required to have aquatic plants.

The equipment that has been installed determines a lot about aquarium maintenance. However, a few procedures are required in any case; these include the weekly replacement of a portion of the water with fresh and the elimination of accumulated organic waste (excrement, residue, feed).

Behavior and compatibility

As a reasonably calm species of cichlid, they can be housed with other peaceful inhabitants of Lake Nyasa, including Aulonocara and Utaka cichlids, as well as similar sized fish that can survive in an alkaline habitat. Keep one male and several females in a group to prevent overly intense intraspecific competition in a small aquarium.

Breeding / Reproduction

At 10–12 cm, the fish reach sexual maturity. In ideal circumstances, spawning takes place multiple times annually. The male’s behavior, which starts to set up a location for spawning, can be used to predict when the breeding season will begin. These could be holes or depressions created by clearing away flat stones from the top.

The female deposits several dozen oval, yellowish eggs one after the other following a brief courtship. The female immediately places the fertilized eggs in her mouth, where they remain for the entire 18–21 day incubation period.

With its distinct look and intriguing habits, the Blue Dolphin cichlid is a true standout in the aquarium community. It is understandable why this fish catches the interest of both hobbyists and enthusiasts due to its vivid blue colors and dolphin-like form. It is a well-liked option for individuals wishing to infuse their tank with something extraordinary because of its eye-catching coloration and captivating personality.

Although it takes some commitment, taking care of the Blue Dolphin is well worth it. These fish do best in stable, well-kept aquarium environments. They will thrive if you give them lots of room, a good environment, and a healthy diet. They can also be very entertaining to watch because of their social and active behavior, which gives your aquarium a lively dynamic.

All things considered, the Blue Dolphin cichlid is not just an exquisite fish but also a vibrant, social species that can liven up any aquarium. With its vibrant colors and entertaining antics, a Blue Dolphin can add to the experience of any aquarium owner, experienced or novice. This fish will flourish under the correct conditions and turn into a unique addition to your aquatic environment.

The "Blue Dolphin" fish, named for its striking colors and distinctive dolphin-like shape, is a fascinating addition to any aquarium. This species, also known as the "Cichlid," is a favorite among enthusiasts because it adds both beauty and activity to a tank. It is essential to comprehend the particular requirements for care, including water quality and tank companions, in order to keep this gorgeous fish in a healthy and flourishing environment. This post will discuss the unique characteristics of the Blue Dolphin, provide care guidelines, and assist you in determining whether or not it is a good fit for your aquarium.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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