Venustus Cichlid

The venustus cichlid or giraffe hap (Nimbochromis venustus) is a large, predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It is fairly widespread throughout the lake, typically found in relatively shallow water of 15 metres or less, in both rocky habitats and areas with soft substrates of mud or sand. Males reach a standard length of approximately 25 cm and develop spectacular blue and yellow breeding coloration, while females and juveniles exhibit the species' distinctive irregular dark blotches over a pale background — the 'giraffe' pattern that gives the fish its common name. Like its congener Nimbochromis livingstonii, this species employs the hunting strategy of thanatosis, lying motionless on the substrate to ambush unsuspecting prey. It is an exclusive piscivore in nature that accepts dead meaty foods in the aquarium, such as prawns, lancefish, and whitebait, and should never be fed mammalian or avian meats. A minimum tank size of 200 litres with a sandy substrate, rockwork forming caves, and open swimming areas is recommended. Males are intolerant of one another and should be kept singly or as a harem with multiple females. Breeding is a polygamous maternal mouthbrooding process with the female carrying up to 120 eggs for approximately three weeks.