Description
Nimbochromis livingstonii, Livingston’s cichlid or (locally) kalingono, is a freshwater mouthbrooding cichlid native to Lake Malawi, an African Rift Lake. It is also found in the upper Shire River and Lake Malombe. They are found in inshore areas of the lake over sandy substrates. Nimbochromis are fish predators, this species' colour pattern imitating a dead fish to attract and ambush its' prey. These are hardy fish with strong appetites, best kept with other large-growing Rift Lake Cichlids.
Coburg Aquarium's Live Cichlid Fish and Aquarium Products shipped Australia Wide.
Features of Nimbochromis Livingstoni:
- Mature males are more strongly coloured, females retain the juvenile colour pattern
- They are ambush predators that will ‘play dead’ and snatch unsuspecting small fish
- Nimbochromis is very peaceful for its size
- Nimbochromis Livingstoni can grow up to 25 cm
Nimbochromis Livingstoni : Care, Diet and Tank Mates
The Best Aquarium Size for Nimbochromis Livingstoni:
A minimum tank of 70L works when small, but because they grow fast and have an aggressive nature, 125L is suggested. Tank size can vary greatly depending on how big or small the fish is and how many you plan to stock in the tank. The bigger tank is better for the health of your fish.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Nimbochromis Livingstoni Tank Mate Compatibility:
Considered moderately aggressive, Livingstoni Cichlid will best get along with some cichlid species or moderately-aggressive, similar-sized fish. Livingstoni Cichlids are best kept in groups of 1 male with 3 or more females of the same or with other semi-aggressive species in a large tank. Some compatible tank mates that you can add along:
Coburg Aquarium, specialised in different species of live fish.
Nimbochromis Livingstoni Food :
Omnivore; does well with flakes and pellets designed for African cichlids. Diet should be supplemented with live foods such as insect larvae, aquatic insects, fish, earthworms, tubifex worms, and crustaceans or green vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach, peas, or zucchini.
Be careful to not hurt your Livingstoni Cichlid by overfeeding them. These fish have a huge appetite and will continue eating even after their stomach swells.
Search fish food in our High Quality Fish Foods collections.
Nimbochromis Livingstoni Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
To keep the water movement in the tank moderate enough, you should also make sure to include a good filtration system to keep the water clean. And for doing so, you can equip with very strong and efficient filtration. Make sure the filter matches with your tank size.
Here are some great ones to consider:
Plants in Cichild Fish Tank
Aquatic Plants are beneficial in helping to maintain good water quality and adding enrichment to a fish’s diet. Prefers some dense planting with some floating plants and open swimming areas.
Interested in Live Plants for your aquariums? Click here to see more Fish Live Plant
Aquarium Decorations
Decor such as ocean rocks is a good choice for building sturdy structures within the tank. These structures can stretch from the bottom of the aquarium to the water surface. When constructing them ensure that you create as many crevices as possible for your pet fish to explore its living space. Ideal Ornaments for your tank:
After more nice quality decorations? Check our Aquarium Ornaments.
Lighting
Fairly dim lighting is recommended. Click the link here and choose the right light for your tank.
Substrate
The best substrate to use in this particular tank is coral sand or Aragonite. This type of substrate is highly recommended to keep tank water hard or alkaline. However, Livingstonii Cichlid prefers darker substrate in order to feel safer and display their colors better.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
