Blue Dolphin Cichlid

General Information & Care

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is a beautiful fish that ranges in color from silvery-blue to turquoise. It typically has six vertical stripes that are not always easily visible, and the male fish are usually a brighter blue compared to females. The natural habitat of these fish is Lake Malawi in Africa, which is a sandy area. They can be a beautiful addition to a fish tank.

Additional Information & Care

If you are considering adding a blue dolphin cichlid to your fish tank, here is what you should know:

Size (full-grown): Approximately 8″ (can exceed 12″), but is slow-growing

Disposition: Non-aggressive

Tank habitat: Rock caves to provide hiding places and “territory”; can include driftwood/sturdy plants.

Tank-mates: Other non-aggressive, African cichlids

Water: pH value between 7.0 and 8.8; temperature between 72 and 84 Fahrenheit; hardness between 10 and 18 DH

Diet: Can adapt to a variety, including pellets, flakes, freeze-dried foods, water bugs, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans

If you keep multiple blue dolphin cichlids in a tank, it is recommended to keep more females than males. These fish will form a school, and by including more females than males it will reduce stress when spawning. Blue dolphin cichlids will search for or dig a flat area for laying eggs, which are then fertilized. After fertilization, the female fish incubates the eggs in her mouth for approximately three or four weeks.

Want to Learn More?

Blue Dolphin Cichlid Care Guide