Giraffe Cichlid - Nimbochromis Venustus
Scientific Name(s): Nimbochromis Venustus
Common Name(s): Giraffe Cichlid, Haplochromis Venustus
Maximum Size: 10 inches
Life Span: 10 years
Natural Habitat: East African Lake Malawi
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Tank Region: Middle to bottom of tank.
Possible Tank Mates: Other malawi cichlids.
Description: A large, oval-shaped fish. The coloring of the male is much more intense than the female. The head is pale blue, while the body is light golden-yellow. The cheeks and the lower jaw is dark blue. Several irregular dark blue splotches can be found cover the body. The upper part of the dorsal fin is bright yellow while the lower half is dark blue. The caudal fin is also yellow and blue. The other fins are dark blue.
Temperature Range 77°F - 84°F
pH Range 7.5 - 8.8
Breeding Information: Venustus are maternal mouth-brooders. Males become very competitve at sexual maturity and will kill other males of their species. A ratio of 1 male to 4 females is ideal.
Sexing Information: The males are larger and have a blue head.
Diet: Insects, flake food, pellets, frsh vegetables such as peas, romaine lettuce and spinach.
Temperment: Usually not aggressive towards species other than its own. Males are very territorial and will generally kill any other male venustus.
Common Diseases: Subsceptable to malawi bloat.