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Moori, Blue Lump head, Blue Dolphin Cichlid
This fish is an oval-shaped cichlid with a characteristic cranial bump on
its forehead. The base of caudal fin is very slender. The body is bright
blue to dark bright blue. Seven to eight faint vertical stripes are present,
although they are often difficult to detect. The fins are the same color as
the body. This fish grows to 10" (25 cm) and is from sandy areas of
Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa.
Tanks of 45-55 gallons (170-209 L) is sufficient for young fish, that are
under 5" (13 cm) in length. For fish larger than 5" (13 cm), a tank of 75
to 100 gallons (285-378 L) is recommended. The background should be
large rock formations, while the foreground should be coral sand with a
scattering of small stones. Large open swimming areas are very
important for this fish. Sturdy live plants can be used.
Water parameters should be in the ranges of 7.0-8.8 (8.0), 10-18 dH
(16), with water temperatures of 75-81F (24-27C).
This is generally a peaceful and territorial fish that will form schools
when kept in a large tank. Keep one male with several females. In Lake
Malawi, the Moori is found in schools with Fossorochromis rostratus.
Some of the tankmates for this fish include Lake Malawi
Haplochromines, Synodontis, larger mbunas, Polypterus,
Afromastacembelus and thrive when fed a diet consisting of Live foods,
crustaceans, insect larvae, aquatic insects, Tubifex; beef heart; chopped
meat; tablets; and pellets.
The male may be slightly larger with brighter colors than the females.
When breeding these fish use a large breeding tank with one male and
three or four females. The water chemistry should have a pH from 7.5-8.5, a water hardness from 10-16 dH, and a temperature of 79-82F (26-28C). Make frequent partial water changes to keep the parents in top
condition. The female lays from 20-60, and occasionally as many as 100,
on a rock. The takes the eggs into her mouth where they are incubated
for 20-25 days. The female continues brood care after the young emerge
from the mouth. Start feeding with small live foods. The young grow
quickly when kept under a regime of frequent partial water changes.
Breeding is moderately difficult but possible as long as frequent partial
water changes are made. Almost all fish available to the hobby are wild
caught.
