Venustus - (No Online Purchases)

Name:
Venustus Cichlid / Giraffe Cichlid - Instore pick up only.

Scientific Name:
Nimbochromis venustus

Description:
A large and striking African cichlid known for its distinctive giraffe-like blotched pattern. Juveniles and females generally display a yellow-brown body with darker patches, while mature males can develop spectacular blue colouration around the head with stronger yellow tones through the body.

Origin:
Lake Malawi, Africa.

pH:
Approximately7.5–8.8

Temperature:
Around24–28°C

Adult Size:
Approximately20–25 cm, with particularly large specimens sometimes approaching30 cm.

Lifespan:
Approximately8–12 years

Food:
Primarily carnivorous and naturally a predator of smaller fish. Feed a quality carnivorous cichlid pellet supplemented with foods such as krill, prawns, mysis shrimp and other suitable frozen meaty foods.

Compatibility:
Semi-aggressive, predatory and territorial, particularly as adults. Best kept with other robust, similarly sized Lake Malawi cichlids. Avoid small or timid fish, as anything small enough to fit in a Venustus Cichlid’s mouth may be considered food.

Habitat:
Requires a large aquarium with strong filtration and plenty of open swimming space. A sandy substrate with strategically placed rocks and caves provides territories and hiding areas while leaving substantial open areas for swimming.

Interesting Fact:
Venustus Cichlids are ambush predators. In the wild they can partially bury themselves in the sand and remain still, waiting for smaller fish to come within striking distance.