6 Blue Cichlids That Are Sure To Fix That Blue Feeling
Blue can mean a solid electric-blue male, a fish dusted with pale speckles, or a peacock with contrasting fins. These six African cichlids offer very different looks. Choose the fish you enjoy, then match their adult size and temperament to the group you are building.
Six Blue Cichlids that are sure to fix the blues are:
1. Blue Dolphin Cichlid
The Blue Dolphin Cichlid stands out for its solid blue color and the rounded forehead that develops with maturity. Give this larger-growing hap a roomy aquarium with open swimming space.
Blue Dolphins develop a substantial body as they mature, with some reaching about 10 inches. Their shape and solid blue color give them a different presence from the patterned peacocks.
2. Azureus Cichlid
The Azureus Cichlid has metallic blue color and a pale edge along the dorsal fin of mature males. Males typically grow to around 7 inches.
Peacocks and Red Empress are options to consider alongside Azureus. Match the fish for size and give the group room to develop together.
3. Electric Blue Ahli
An Electric Blue Ahli is something special to see: vivid metallic blue with a pale flash along the back. Adults commonly reach around 6 to 7 inches.
A good-quality cichlid flake or pellet provides a straightforward feeding routine. Choose tank mates of a similar size and leave space for open swimming.
In stock · From $15 · View sizes & availability
4. Mdoka White Lips
Mdoka White Lips is recognizable at a glance: rich blue color with contrasting white lips. Both males and females contribute color to the display. Offer a good-quality flake or pellet and room to grow.
Malawi haps, peacocks, and suitable Synodontis are options to consider alongside Mdoka White Lips. Use size and the fish's individual personalities to guide the mix.
5. Star Sapphire Cichlid
The Star Sapphire Cichlid comes from Lake Malawi. Mature males develop metallic blue with pale, sparkling markings. It is a larger-growing hap, with some males reaching about 10 inches.
Other haps of a similar size are a useful starting point for the group. Watching the fish develop their color and personalities is part of the appeal.
6. Regal Blue Peacock Cichlid
Regal Blue Peacock brings deep blue to the display, with contrasting color in the fins. Like other peacocks, its color develops as males mature.
Feed a good-quality cichlid flake or pellet, and offer only as much as they will eat in about a minute. Match tank mates by size and feeding habits as the group grows.
In stock · From $9 · View sizes & availability
Thinking of blue cichlids? Pick the colors and shapes you enjoy, then build a well-matched group around them. Each fish brings its own personality to the aquarium.