Moorei Cichlid

The Moorei Cichlid, also called the Haplochromis moorii, or Dolphin Cichlid is a fairly typical member of the Cichlidae family. These powder blue fish make great candidates for the African Cichlid aquarium. The males of the species will develop a large protruding hump on the forehead as the fish matures.

The Moorei Cichlid does well with other Lake Malawi cichlids when provided with a spacious, rocky tank of 70 gallons or more. Although plants may be beneficial for other tank members they are extraneous for the Morrei Cichlid, and fish larger than three inches will often uproot them. The Moorei African Cichlid can be aggressive toward smaller fish.

Considered a specialized mouth brooder, eggs are fertilized and carried by the female. Within 12 to 18 days, fry are released, measuring 1/4 inch. Once released, they do not return to their mother again. Most members of the mouth brooding variety of African Cichlids are easily bred while in the aquarium when given the proper tank set-up and excellent water conditions. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male will provide the best opportunities for breeding. The best way to achieve this is to purchase a group of 8 or more individuals of a small size.

The Moorei African Cichlid is a carnivore and prefers a diet rich in meaty foods. Cichlid pellets, ocean plankton, and freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide this species with the proper nutrition.