Cyrtocara
Cyrtocara | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Cichliformes |
Family: | Cichlidae |
Genus: | Cyrtocara Boulenger, 1902 |
Species: | C. moorii |
Binomial name | |
Cyrtocara moorii Boulenger, 1902 | |
Cyrtocara moorii, commonly known as the hump-head, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa where they prefer areas with sandy substrates. It can grow to a length of 20 centimetres (7.9 in) TL. The species is popular among aquarium keepers where it is known as the hump-head cichlid, blue dolphin cichlid, Malawi dolphin or simply as moorii. It is currently the only known member of its genus.[1]
Description
They are varying shades of blue, ranging from turquoise to a silvery-blue, and grow a distinctive hump on their forehead. The male is usually brighter blue than the female.[2]
Aquarium care
The Malawi dolphin is best kept at temperatures of 75–78 °F. It is relatively tame except when it is spawning.
The minimum aquarium size should be 48 gallons but increased as the fish grows larger.[2]
References
- ↑ Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). "Cyrtocara moorii" in FishBase. February 2013 version.
- 1 2 "Blue Dolphin Cichlid Care and Breeding | The Aquarium Club". theaquarium.club. Retrieved 2017-11-04.
See also