An aquarium favorite, the Giraffe Hap or Nimbochromis venustus is native to Malawi. While not particularly rare this African cichlid as a unique color pattern similar a Giraffe with brown, blue and yellow coloration. This species is endemic to Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe and can be found widely over the sand habitats of both lakes.

 

This species is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List for endangered fish due to the main threat to this species being overfishing but a local decline has been recorded due to the commercial trawl fishery. Check on the video below on how Nimbochromis venustus spawns in the aquarium.

 

Formerly classified in the genus Haplochromis where it gets another one of its nicknames the Venustus Hap. As stated this species is colorful but the males develop an attractive blue head and other blue coloration while they mature.

 

This species of Malawi cichlid can reach eight inches in length and possibly larger in the wild.

N. venustus is an ambush predator of sorts and has a unique strategy for hunting its prey. Known to prefer deeper regions of the lake which can range from 20 to 75 feet, N. venustus it will partially submerge into the sandy bottom and lie there motionless after spotting its prey. What it does is once the fish in question is within reach, it darts out from the sand and strikes. Its recommended to keep this fish with other Malawi cichlids and some large catfish native to Africa.

 

 

Description

You will receive 1 male and 3 female Venustus cichlids, approximately 3" - 4" in length. SHIPPING POLICY - PLEASE READ: Live arrival is always guaranteed. Free shipping via USPS Priority! We ship via USPS only and ship Monday through Wednesday, and sometimes Thursday, depending on your location...

 

 

 

Haplochromis venustus (Boulenger, 1908)

Cyrtocara venusta (Boulenger, 1908)

Haplochromis simulans (Regan, 1922)