[CichlidAdmin]

Scientific Name: Cyrtocara moorii Pronunciation: s r-t -k r- m r- Common Name(s): Hap moorii, Blue Dolphin Geo. Origin: Lake-wide distribution in Lake Malawi & also found in Lake Malombe. Habitat: Open sand Diet: Carnivore Gender Differences: Monomorphic Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder Temperament: Mildly Aggressive Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive Maximum Size: 9" Temperature: 78 - 82°F pH: 7.8 - 8.6 Water Hardness: Hard Difficulty: 2		Photo Credit: Aaron Alcantar Images: Adult Male Growing a hump Subadult Sifting sand Adult male Juvenile Maturing Male Subadult Dolphins at play Spawning XL male Subadults [TD] Articles: - Select Article - Species Article Haps Vs. Mbuna Species Article Haps Vs. Mbuna
Comments:
In the wild, C. moorii feeds exclusively by following F. rostratus, M. lateristriga, & T. praeorbitalis. These latter three fishes hunt by digging & subsequently filtering large amounts of sand through their gills. In the process, they stir up a great deal of detritus, exposing crustaceans and other small food items. Interestingly, C. moorii will defend its ''host'' against conspecifics and other followers (eg, P. annectens). When dominant or courting, males turn dark blue; otherwise, they usually display three dark blotches on their flanks.

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