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| Scientific Name: Cyrtocara moorii |
| Pronunciation: s
|
| 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. |