[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

Images:

Adult Male Growing a hump Subadult Sifting sand Adult male Juvenile Maturing Male Subadult Dolphins at play Spawning XL male Subadults ​

Photo Credit: Aaron Alcantar

Articles:

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.