Nimbochromis livingstonii

Nimbochromis livingstonii

The males of the Nimbochromis livingstonii can reach a length of about 25 centimeters in the wild, the females grow to about 20 centimeters in length. In the aquarium they can grow to around 25-30 centimeters.

Both males and females have a white undercolor with a brown spot pattern on top. However, the males may have a light blue color around their heads. The females don’t have this. The males also turn deep blue/green in color during the breeding season, making the spot pattern barely visible.

Synonyms: Haplochromis Livingstoni Kaligono, Hemichromis livingstonii, Astatotilapia livingstonii, Cyrtocara livingstonii, Haplochromis livingstonii, Paratilapia livingstonii, Haplochromis livingstoni.

Origin

Nimbochromis livingstonii occurs throughout Lake Malawi.

The Aquarium

These fish require an aquarium of at least 2 meters. Furnish the aquarium with hard plants such as Vallisneria and Anubias, many rock formations so that caves are created, the bottom must consist of sand. Also make sure there is plenty of free swimming space. It is advisable to change the water regularly.

Water parameters

Temperature: 22-26 degrees Celsius.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
GH: 12-16

Diet

Both live food and frozen food can be given as food, such as white mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, krill, shrimp and mussels. Also, vegetable food such as spirulina can be given, also cichlid sticks, granulate and dry food. Make sure there is enough protein in their diet!

Character

Nimbochromis livingstonii is a real predator, it can also be quite aggressive towards females, which is why it is best to keep 1 male with several females. Also do not keep fish that are too small because they are mistaken for food. They are tolerant of other large Malawi cichlids.

He is also known for his unusual way of hunting, he lies on his side on the bottom as if dead and waits for small fish to pass by, then he springs into action and grabs his prey.

Breeding Nimbochromis livingstonii

De kweek van de Nimbochromis livingstonii is vrij eenvoudig, er worden zo´n 100 eitjes afgezet, bevrucht en daarna door het vrouwtje in de bek genomen. The female then hides between the rocks. After about 3 weeks the young are released, during the first month they are intensively cared for and guarded by the female. When in danger they are taken back into the mouth.

The young of the Nimbochromis livingstonii can be raised with brine shrimp nauplii, or crushed dry food.

Video

Author

Coby – Kevin

Copyright images

John de Lange
Henk Oskam
Pete Barnes