African Cichlid | Venustus

Scientific Name: Nimbochromis Venustus 

Common Name: Venustus, Giraffe Cichlid

Adult Size: 10 inches

Life Expectancy: 10 Years

Habitat: East African Lake Malawi

Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons

Ideal Tank Conditions: 

• Temperature Range: 77°F-84°F
• pH Range: 7.5-8.8
• Hardness Range: 12-30°

Temperament: Usually not aggressive towards species other than its own. Males are very territorial and will generally kill any other male venustus. 

Diet & Nutrition:  Insects, flake food, pellets, fresh vegetables such as peas, romaine lettuce and spinach.

Breeding & Spawning: 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.

Gender: The males are larger and have a blue head.

Compatible Tank Mates: See Compatibility Chart