Nimbochromis venustus

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Nimbochromis venustus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Cichlidae Genus: Nimbochromis Species: N. venustus
Binomial name
Nimbochromis venustus Boulenger, 1908

Nimbochromis venustus, commonly abbreviated to venustus, is a Haplochromine cichlid native to Lake Malawi in Africa. It prefers the deeper regions of Lake Malawi where it hunts smaller juvenile cichlids with a specialised hunting technique. After spotting prey, it will partially submerge itself into the sand and lay dormant until the chosen fish comes within reach. The adult venustus will then dart out of the sand and strike. It is related to Nimbochromis livingstonii.

It is a popular freshwater aquarium fish which grows between 8 and 12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. Due to its size and aggressive nature, it should be kept in aquariums of around 300 litres in capacity with other large freshwater fish such as parrot cichlid and other large Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids. It prefers rocky environments, and a well kept specimen may live for 12 years. The venustus typically has a yellow and black spotted colouration males have a hint of blue on the head and fins.

[edit] See also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species