Venustus (Giraffe Cichlid)
Nimbochromis venustus
Cichlidae
About
The venustus, or giraffe cichlid, is a large predatory haplochromine endemic to Lake Malawi, where it patrols the sandy zones between rocky reefs in search of prey. It takes its common name from the bold chestnut blotches scattered over a pale body, while dominant males flush with an electric blue face and yellow forehead stripe. A patient ambush hunter, it will lie partly buried in the sand and even feign death to draw small fish within striking range. Hardy and long-lived but boisterous and territorial, it needs a big, open aquarium with sand, sturdy rockwork and hard, alkaline water.
Care
Keep in a large, open tank of 350 L or more (150 cm length ideal) with a sandy bottom, robust rockwork and hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.5. Best as one male with several females alongside similarly sized, robust Malawi haps. A predator: never mix with fish small enough to be eaten.
Diet
Carnivorous ambush hunter of small fish and invertebrates. Feed carnivore or cichlid pellets plus frozen mysis, krill, prawn and lancefish; avoid fatty mammalian meats to limit bloat risk.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (59)
Avoid (62)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.