Edit Nimbochromis venustus
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Name
Scientific name
Nimbochromis venustus
Described by
Authority Boulenger, Year 1908, Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Venustus
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The venustus, Nimbochromis venustus, is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is fairly widespread. Also sold as 'giraffe ha…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
250mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.6–8.8
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi. It is fairly widespread throughout the lake.
Habitat
It is found in relatively shallow (15 metres deep or less) water around the shoreline in both rocky habitats and areas with soft substrates of mud or sand.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~205 litres.
Maintenance
Set up the aquarium with piles of rocks arranged to form caves, large areas of open water for swimming and preferably a sandy substrate.
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: 7.6-8.8 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
It is an exclusive piscivore in nature but there is no need to feed live fish in aquaria as it accepts dead foods readily. Feed a meaty diet of prawns, lancefi…
Behaviour and compatibility
Predatory but is generally peaceful with species too big to be considered food (it will eat smaller mbuna and young fish). Suitable tankmates include Frontosa,…
Sexual dimorphism
Males tend to grow larger and exhibit gaudier colouration than females, showing beautiful blue and yellow pigmentation on the body. These colours intensify gre…
Reproduction
Not easy. Polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. The breeding aquarium shouold be at least 48" in length and furnished as suggested above, with the addition of some…
Notes
Not a fish for the general Malawi cichlid community, N. venustus is an ambush predator in nature. It may also be seen for sale as "Giraffe Hap" or "Giraffe Cic…
References
References
No references