Albino Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii) 5" Preorder (10-15 days delivery)

The Albino Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii) is a rare, captive-bred color variant of the classic Blue Dolphin Cichlid native to Lake Malawi in Africa. This highly prized freshwater fish features a unique creamy-white to pinkish body with subtle blue undertones, red albino eyes, and a signature nuchal hump on its head that resembles a dolphin.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Albino Blue Dolphins are open-water swimmers that require a large aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming space.

Minimum Tank Size: 300 liters (approx. 75–80 gallons) for a small group.

Substrate: Soft aragonite sand or crushed coral. This safely buffers and raises the water's pH.

Decor: Minimalist rockwork along the edges. Leave the center completely open for active swimming.

Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).

pH Range: 7.5 to 8.6 (Alkaline, hard water).

Water Quality: High water flow and strong filtration are required. Keep nitrates strictly below 40 ppm.

Diet and Feeding

These fish are omnivores that feed heavily on micro-invertebrates in nature. In an aquarium, provide a protein-rich, varied diet:

High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a daily staple.

Frozen foods like brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, or krill.Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini.

Note: Avoid feeding mammalian proteins (like beef heart) to prevent digestive issues.

Ideal Tank Mates

While territorial during breeding seasons, they are generally calm. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive African cichlids like Mbunas. Ideal choices include:

Malawi Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara)

Other peaceful Malawi Haps

Synodontis catfish

Frontosa Cichlids