Livingston's Cichlid

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

Livingston's Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii) reaches about 20 to 25 cm and is found over the sandy and intermediate zones of Lake Malawi. Both sexes carry a bold cream-and-brown marbling; mature males add a blue sheen to the head and fins. Its famous behaviour is documented rather than folklore: it lies on its side in open sand, its blotching resembling a decomposing carcass, and strikes at small fish that approach to scavenge. Give an adult 400 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with a deep sand bed for its lying-in-wait behaviour, rock at the sides and open space. It eats cichlid pellets, frozen krill and mysis readily. Temperament towards its own size class is moderate and it is less pushy than many mbuna, but the predation limit is absolute: any tankmate that fits in its mouth will eventually be eaten. It suits a large Malawi hap community and is a poor fit for anything under about 10 cm, and it needs an owner who is planning for a 25 cm fish rather than the 6 cm juvenile on sale.

• How active is a Livingston's Cichlid?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Livingston's Cichlid need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Livingston's Cichlid need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Livingston's Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Livingston's Cichlid live?

  8–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Livingston's Cichlid?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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