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The Nimbochromis Venustus/Giraffe Cichlid. Common Name: Giraffe Cichlid. Other Name: Kalingo Scientific Name: Nimbochromis Venustus Family: Cichlidae. Class: African. Distribution: Lake Malawi Lake Wide and Intermediate Depths Size: Approx 5_11 Inches Diet: In captivity, they will take a wide range of commercially prepared foods. Dietary carotene is necessary in order to keep the electric yellow colour of the most famous morph. Water Temperature: 75-82 Degree Fahrenheit (24-27 Degree Celsius). Water Chemistry: pH: 7.8 to 8.6, hard water Lifespan: 10 Years Description: This is a very popular Cichlid species kept in aquariums. Strangely enough, it's also one of the more aggressive, so Cichlid breeders and hobbyists often get more than they bargain for. An interesting thing is that they are very peaceful around Electric yellow Cichlids and more so around Male Auratus Cichlids, as their name suggests them to be peaceful until prevoked ('Giraffe' Cichlids), Like their common name suggests, the colouration is reminiscent of that of a giraffe. They usually have a yellowish-white body, with large brown spots. Venustus males often assume a blue colouration when sexually active, with the blue being most intense on the head. Behaviour: There are Mbuna and there are Mbuna, which come complete with the anger and territoriality expected of Cichlids. Fortunately, these belong to the former group. Thus, they are among the most popular Malawian Cichlids. They won't try to hold territory as much as the others, so they will do well in a tank full of specifics. They are so gentle that mouth brooding females won't be harassed by specific tank mates Breeding: Like many other aggressive African Cichlids, they are best kept with 2-3 (or more) females for every male, as this will stop the aggression from being concentrated on one female breeding Cichlid. Provide the female Cichlid with plenty of cover in the fish tank to hide from the aggressive male. Follow the same steps you would with breeding any mouthbrooder. Sexing: Other than an anecdotal increase in the level of black in the lower fins of the males, some say that size (larger for males) and more severe forehead contours for males are indicators. These remain hard to sex, though. Compatibility: In your Cichlid aquarium, the Venustus will be quite aggressive. Therefore, the only suitable tropical fish that can be kept with it are other large Haps. Basically, any smaller Cichlids will become food. Diet: In the wild, this species hunts small Cichlids, by burrowing into the sand when it spots juvenile Cichlids. It remains motionless until the prey are within reach. In the Aquarium they act much more differently as they come up against some of their natural enemies and usually live peacefully. Natural Habitat: Lives up to depths of 15-20 Mtrs with a rubble and rocky area of lake Malawi. Minimum Recommended Tank Size: 350 Litres – 77 UK Gallons. Pictures Above Are As Follows. 1) Female Venustus 2) Male Venustus 3) Female looking after her brood with grace and dignity. |
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| Above Pictures Are As Follows The first picture above is of the two beautiful young Nimbochromis Venustus that are 8 months old the one on the right is starting to show signs of dominance and a white tinge in the dorsal fin which will have a pale blue colur later one, found in males and the behaviour with it too. The second Picture again shows the same Nimbochromis Venustus on the right chasing a young Daktari but this time the young Daktari will turn on occasions and chase back thus keeping the flow of the tank just right. |
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