Buy Aulonocara and Malawi at Vegas Valley Cichlids

$59.99

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

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SUPPORT 24/7

$55
FLAT RATE SHIPPING

100% LIVE ARRIVAL
GUARANTEE

TALK TO A PERSON
SUPPORT 24/7

Availability: 3 In Stock

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid, also known as the Humphead Cichlid, is a unique and stunning freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi, Africa. It is well-known for its brilliant blue coloration and distinctive nuchal hump (forehead bump), which gives it a dolphin-like appearance.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Prefers sandy-bottomed, open waters with minimal rock structures.
  • Natural Behavior:

    • A slow-moving, peaceful cichlid that swims in loose groups in the wild.
    • Feeds by sifting through sand to find small invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 10 inches (25 cm).
    • Females: Around 7 inches (18 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Bright powder-blue body with darker blue facial markings.
    • Males develop a large nuchal hump (forehead bump) as they mature.
    • Some males may display faint vertical barring.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 10-12 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Mildly aggressive, but less territorial than other Malawi cichlids.
    • Can become dominant over smaller or weaker fish.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in groups of 4-6 individuals to reduce aggression.
    • Can be housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 75 gallons for a small group.
    • 125+ gallons for a larger community.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel to allow natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Open swimming space with some scattered rocks and caves.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Omnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plankton.
    • In captivity, they require a high-quality diet to maintain color and health.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or zucchini.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males will display bright colors to attract females.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks or open sandy areas for spawning.
    • Fry can be separated after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids (Peacocks, Haps).
    • Plecos or Synodontis catfish for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Highly aggressive cichlids (like Mbuna and Red Devils).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii)

The Blue Dolphin Cichlid, also known as the Humphead Cichlid, is a unique and stunning freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi, Africa. It is well-known for its brilliant blue coloration and distinctive nuchal hump (forehead bump), which gives it a dolphin-like appearance.


Origin and Habitat

  • Native Region:

    • Found in Lake Malawi, East Africa.
    • Prefers sandy-bottomed, open waters with minimal rock structures.
  • Natural Behavior:

    • A slow-moving, peaceful cichlid that swims in loose groups in the wild.
    • Feeds by sifting through sand to find small invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Males: Up to 10 inches (25 cm).
    • Females: Around 7 inches (18 cm).
  • Coloration:

    • Bright powder-blue body with darker blue facial markings.
    • Males develop a large nuchal hump (forehead bump) as they mature.
    • Some males may display faint vertical barring.
  • Lifespan:

    • Can live 10-12 years with proper care.

Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament:

    • Mildly aggressive, but less territorial than other Malawi cichlids.
    • Can become dominant over smaller or weaker fish.
  • Social Behavior:

    • Best kept in groups of 4-6 individuals to reduce aggression.
    • Can be housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids.

Aquarium Care

  • Tank Size:

    • Minimum 75 gallons for a small group.
    • 125+ gallons for a larger community.
  • Water Parameters:

    • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
    • pH: 7.5-8.5
    • Hardness: Moderate to hard.
  • Tank Setup:

    • Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel to allow natural sifting behavior.
    • Decor: Open swimming space with some scattered rocks and caves.
    • Filtration: Strong filtration required to maintain water quality.
    • Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

  • Omnivorous Diet:

    • In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and plankton.
    • In captivity, they require a high-quality diet to maintain color and health.
  • Best Foods:

    • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
    • Frozen or live foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp.
    • Vegetable matter: Spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or zucchini.
  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 1-2 times per day in small portions.

Breeding

  • Mouthbrooding Behavior:

    • Females carry eggs in their mouths for 21-28 days.
    • Males will display bright colors to attract females.
  • Breeding Setup:

    • Provide flat rocks or open sandy areas for spawning.
    • Fry can be separated after release for better survival.

Tank Mates

  • Compatible Tank Mates:

    • Other peaceful to semi-aggressive Malawi cichlids (Peacocks, Haps).
    • Plecos or Synodontis catfish for bottom-dwelling variety.
  • Avoid:

    • Highly aggressive cichlids (like Mbuna and Red Devils).
    • Small, slow fish that may be bullied.

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Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water.  This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:

Ship Date:

Arrival Date: UPS Overnight

Arrival Date: Southwest

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

Monday

Tuesday

Saturday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Sunday

Saturday

Monday

Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wed

Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note:  If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
     For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.          

    Southwest:
    
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
    we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water.  This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.

Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below (No Shipping on Holiday)

Order Placed on:

Ship Date:

Arrival Date: UPS Overnight

Arrival Date: Southwest

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

Monday

Tuesday

Saturday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Sunday

Saturday

Monday

Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wed

Tuesday

Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.

Note:  If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.

Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
     For a low flat rate of $55 any where in the US with any size box.          

    Southwest:
    
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
    we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $65.

Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.

VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.

    25% DOA
    We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish. 

   50% DOA
  
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

   75% DOA
   We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
   You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.

 

Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.

VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.

    25% DOA
    We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish. 

   50% DOA
  
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.

   75% DOA
   We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
   You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.

 

Blue Dolphin Blue Dolphin

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