The
Blue Dolphin
By Alex (Devil)
Scientific
name: Cyrtocara moorii
Introduction:
This
species is found in all parts of Lake Malawi, it has always been a favourite
with enthusiasts that keep Malawi cichlids. They are known for there peaceful
behaviour, stunning blue colouring, and the hump on the males head adds
to its appeal. They live in large sandy areas and are part of a small
group of Haplochromis know as ‘blue imitators’ These fish
are now becoming very rare and highly priced, but don’t let that
stop you from getting one of these truly fantastic species.
Living
Conditions:
pH: Above 8.
Water hardness: 10-18 dH..
Temperature: 25-27 Degrees celcius.
Water changes: 20% once a week.
Food: shrimps, mussels, flakes, and shrimp nauplii. It’s
important to avoid bloodworms, and meat based food containing beef and
heart, it can cause fatal intestinal disease.
Compatability: Put in with calm species. Avoid putting
them with species that are too big or over-aggressive.
Life expectancy: Ten years +
Comments: One of the most popular fish in years.
Sexing: The male develops a hump on his head
Life in the aquarium: The aquarium must be spacious, at least 200 litres, and offer large sandy
or gravel areas, you need many rocks and some plants (Plants such as Anubius
and Java fern, they are tough and have a bad taste, so the fish don’t
destroy them) These will make hiding places for the fish to feel safe, and
fish to mark their own territory.
Breeding: The Blue dolphin is a mouth brooder, which means the female will keep
her fry in her mouth. They need to be around 18 months old before they
breed. The male will choose a flat rock or slate, the male will show off
to the the female until he gets noticed, the female will deposit her eggs
and the male will then fertilize the eggs. The female will scoop them
up soon after into her mouth for 3-4 weeks, the male does not protect
the female in any way, he has finished his job and won’t have anything
to do with her. If you have a separate tank remove the female and put
her in there, it will make it easier for her because she will not get
harassed by the other fish, and also you can fatten her up easily after
she has released the fry because no one is around to take the food, keep
in mind she will be weak from not having food for so long, they usually
take 3 and a half weeks to release fry if left un-disturbed, some can
take much longer if they are in a main tank getting harassed. After she
has recovered release her back into the main tank.
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