Livingstonii Cichlid

Livingstonii cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii) is a large, predatory haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it is fairly widespread throughout the lake. It inhabits relatively shallow shoreline areas with soft substrates of mud or sand, often thickly vegetated with beds of Vallisneria, though it has also been recorded at depths exceeding 100 metres. Males reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and develop more intense blue coloration during the breeding season. This species is famous for a remarkable hunting strategy known as thanatosis or 'playing dead': the fish lies motionless on its side on the substrate, its mottled pattern making it appear as a corpse to unsuspecting smaller fish, which are then ambushed when they approach to investigate. The local name 'Kaligono' translates loosely to 'sleeper' in tribute to this behaviour. In captivity it requires a spacious aquarium with a sandy substrate, piles of rocks forming caves, and open swimming areas. Despite its predatory nature it is generally peaceful with tankmates too large to be considered food, such as Frontosa and other large Rift Lake cichlids. It is an exclusive piscivore in the wild but accepts dead meaty foods in the aquarium, including prawns, lancefish, and whitebait. Breeding is challenging; it is a polygamous maternal mouthbrooder.