Venustus Cichlid

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• 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 experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment8–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

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

The Venustus (Nimbochromis venustus) is one of the larger Malawi haps, reaching about 20 to 25 cm. Juveniles of both sexes wear the gold and brown giraffe blotching that gives it its other trade name; mature males develop a deep blue face with a yellow blaze across the forehead. Its hunting method is genuinely unusual: it settles into open sand, blotching breaking up its outline, and waits for small fish to pass within range. An adult needs 400 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with a sand bed, some rock and long open swimming space. Feed quality cichlid pellets with frozen mysis, krill and occasional whole foods. It is not especially malicious but it is big, fast and predatory, so anything under about 8 cm is food, and juveniles sold at 5 cm in a community tank are a well-known trap. Keep one male with several females in a large hap and peacock tank, and plan the tank around the adult size rather than the size in the bag.

• How active is a Venustus Cichlid?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Venustus Cichlid need?

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

• What tank size does a Venustus Cichlid need?

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

• Is a Venustus Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Venustus Cichlid live?

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

• What health issues affect the Venustus 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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