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i currently have 4 adult dolphin cichlids in a 120g tank with other african cichlids the tank has only been established for 2 months but no deaths so far. my problem is that 3 of my 4 dolphins have red colouring on their anal fin. it is on 2 of the females and 1 of the male and the other female has not got red on it at all. has anyone else experienced this and what can i do to fix it or is it just normal?

Which Dolphin Cichlid? I've got a blue Dolphin (Cyrtocara Moorii) and never had anything like what you're describing... never seen one like it... but maybe you don't have a blue dolphin.

Last edited by jester_fu at 08-Sep-2005 06:31

Can you list the scientific name of the species. If not can you i.d. it by picture on the web. You can try www.cichlid-forum.com .
What size are they? Are you sure of the sex? Most malawi are hard to sex when juveniles. Is the red just limited to the fin?

check this picture

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1336

Last edited by openwater at 08-Sep-2005 17:30

the species is Cyrtocara moori and yes i am certain they are blue dolphins. they are about about 4 to 5 inches in length and yes i am certain about the sex. the red is only on the anal fin and is no where else on them.

How did you sex them at 4-5"s ? Sorry... bit curious, as no-one i know can do it when they're that young. I'm not saying you can't or got it wrong or anything... but if you could share a little knowledge i'd really appreciate it. Not many ppl in my area keep them successfully... and i have heaps of trouble when looking for a mate for my boy. I want more... but i need a girl as my bpoys has already stressed another boy to death

The red colour doesn't sound normal. My Moorii is nearly twice as big as yours, and there's no sign of anything but blue on him. A tad of translucent tail growth... which show's he's still growing. But he's never had any red growth. Can you post a clear picture of one of the sick fish?

What are your tank parameters? Nitrates, Nitrite, Ammonia pH and kH + GH if you can. With such a new tank, it might just be a problem with the fish not coping with the cycle starting. Post your tank param's... but maybe start adding some New Improved Cycle as well. It will give your cycle a kick and help control any Nitrite and ammonia spikes, and it's meant to be all natural.

Post your param's and i'm sure we can all make some headway with finding out whats wrong with your fish.



Last edited by jester_fu at 09-Sep-2005 06:01

Definitely never seen cryptocara moori with a red anal fin. I sure would like to see a picture of it.