The Livingstoni Cichlid comes from Lake Malombe and the upper Shire River of Lake Malawi, Africa. They are found in all kinds of habitats from shallow lakeshores down to depths of 114 m. They are most common in vegetated sheltered bays swimming among Vallisneria plants. They are usually solitary and territorial, and feed on small fish and invertebrates.
The Livingstoni Cichlid is one of the most specialised predators in nature. This fish pretends to be a carcass by lying side down and not breathing for a minute till the victim closes in. Then with a sudden side move it captures and eats it. This behavior can be actually be observed in the aquarium environment. The fish intensifies the white color and darkens the brown spot (becomes almost like a line art object).
Male can change colours many times a day from blue face with dark brown dots to an overly bluish colouration with very faint spots.
They are good diggers and will dig huge amounts of sand when spawning. A sand substrate will make them feel most at home. Make sure there are lots of hiding places in rocks and wood. They need some open areas in which to swim so its best to place the decor towards the back of the aquarium. They also like lots of plants, such as Vallisneria, which creates a more natural environment for them. Even though these fish will burrow, they usually don’t disturb them.
They grow up to 25 cm and need a very big tank (larger than 600 litres if possible). If housed with other Nimbochromis species some aggression may be observed between males and females of either species. The female livingstoni will readily breed with a male Nimbochromis polystigma if there is no male of her species and therefore it is not recommended to keep these two different species together in the same aquarium). In a relatively large tank each male will find its own territory and aggression will be kept under control. During the spawning time, the fish will chase and attack whatever moves within one metre of its spawning site.
Livingstoni just about eat anything offered though they usually favour frozen foods. Since they eats a lot it is advisable to feed them only once daily or small portions of food twice daily. They like to swim a lot. In its natural habitat it is found in sandy regions densely planted with Vallisneria a scenery easily recreated in the tank providing a hiding place for the female.
The Livingstoni Cichlids are egg layers and form matriarchal families. They are polygamous in nature with a male attending several females. It is best to place one male with at least three or four females. Unlike others in this genus, they do not dig a spawning pit. They like a flat stone or slate to lay the eggs on. The female will lay up to 100 eggs. Being a mouth brooder she will then pick up the eggs into her mouth for incubation. She will care for the larvae and eggs and when they become fry, she will take them into her mouth at night or anytime she percieves danger. The fry can eat finely crushed flake.
- Species – Livingstoni Cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstoni)
- Common Name – Livingstoni
- Origin – Lake Malawi
- Diet – Piscivore
- PH Range – Alkaline 7.5 – 8.5
- Water Type – Hard
- Temperature – Tropical 24°c
- Breed Type – Mouth brooder
- Current Size – approximately 5cm (Grows to approximately 25cm)
- Sex – Un-sexed
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