Cyrtocara moorii

Cyrtocara moorii

Cyrtocara moorii (Cyrtocara moorii) — Intermediate care, Semi-aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 92 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 7.5–8.5. Details below match the app.

Cyrtocara moorii (Cyrtocara moorii) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
Min tank size92 US gal min
pH range7.5–8.5
Temperature75–82°F
Max size9.8 in (25.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–12 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa / South America (varies)

  • Africa
  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Cyrtocara moorii Tank Setup

Plan for at least 92 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–82°F and pH 7.5–8.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Cyrtocara mooriis Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore (varies). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Cyrtocara moorii Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Semi-aggressive. Blue Dolphin Cichlid; relatively peaceful for its size. Develops pronounced nuchal hump with age. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Cyrtocara mooriis Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.