Livingston's Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii) Care Guide

A large predatory hap from Lake Malawi famous for its unique hunting strategy — it lies motionless on the substrate playing dead, and when small fish approach to investigate, it strikes.

Overview

Nimbochromis livingstonii is a species in the family Cichlidae. A large predatory hap from Lake Malawi famous for its unique hunting strategy — it lies motionless on the substrate playing dead, and when small fish approach to investigate, it strikes. Its mottled brown and white pattern acts as camouflage. A fascinating species for species-specific or large cichlid tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Nimbochromis
Scientific name: Nimbochromis livingstonii
Other names: Sleeper, Kaligono
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, inhabiting sandy and intermediate zones. A large predatory hap that practises a death-feigning ambush: it lies on its side on the substrate, mimicking a dead fish, then seizes scavengers that approach. A maternal mouthbrooder.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 400 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 20-25 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Other Large Haps, Large Mbuna, Synodontis
Avoid with: Small Fish, Peacock Cichlids, Invertebrates

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate