Aquarium species profile

Venustus

Nimbochromis venustus · East Africa (Lake Malawi)

Minimum tank125 gal

Adult size10"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentAggressive

Temperature76–82°F

pH range7.5–8.5

Diet

Carnivore – cichlid pellets, frozen krill, mysis, occasional feeder fish

Compatible tank mates

Other large Haps, Peacocks (with caution), large Synodontis catfish

Tank mates to avoid

Small fish (will eat), passive fish, mbuna (too aggressive)

Care notes

Also called Giraffe Cichlid for its mottled pattern. Lies in sand pretending to be dead to ambush small fish. Mouthbrooder.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician