Giraffe Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus)

Venustus Cichlid Facts

Venustus Cichlid, also known as Venustus Hap, Giraffe Hap, Giraffe Cichlid, or Kalingo, are easily identified by their unique pattern, which resembles the melanic markings of a giraffe, hence their nicknames. They are intelligent, using a special hunting technique known as thanatosis, where they submerge themselves entirely in sand after spotting prey and will lie still, waiting for unsuspecting small fish to swim close. The smaller fish will then examine the ‘dead’ fish, which is the moment the Venustus Cichlid will dart our of the sand to seize them. Belgian-British zoologist, George Boulenger first described this species in 1908, although it was referred to as Haplochromis Venustus, recategorised 80 years later to Nimbochromis Venustus.

This freshwater species is native to Lake Malombe and the upper Shire River of Lake Malawi in Africa, which is the ninth largest lake in the world and second deepest in Africa. Lake Malawi is home to almost 700 species of cichlids, majority being Haplochromine. Venustus Cichlids frequent deeper parts of the lake with depths of up to 23 meters (75.5 feet). Venustus Cichlids are fascinating because they possess an additional set of pharyngeal teeth in their throat, which are really modified gill bones that work alongside their regular mandibular teeth.

Venustus Cichlid Care

Venustus Cichlids are good for intermediate-level fish keepers, because despite their simple care needs, they are only semi-hardy. This moderately-aggressive species must have a tank suitable enough for them to swim around in, as they are very active fish. Their dietary needs are easily met, but they can easily become ill if their water conditions are anything but superb. Depending on the bioload, aquarists will need to change their water weekly (minimum 10% to 20%).

Venustus Cichlid Temperature

Venustus Cichlids desire a tropical environment, with water temperatures ranging between 73-82°F (23-28°C).

Venustus Cichlid Water pH & Hardness

Venustus Cichlids must have premium water quality with a high water pH, ranging from 7.5 to 8.8. Their water must have a hardness between 10 to 15 dH, which will ensure they remain healthy long-term.

Venustus Cichlid Size

Venustus Cichlids are one of the largest African cichlids, with wild Venustus Cichlids recorded to grow up to 12 inches (30.4 cm). However, in captivity they will not exceed a length of 10 inches (25 cm). In order to ensure they reach their maximum length, they must be fed an adequate diet and have enough space to roam in their aquarium.

Venustus Cichlid Growth Rate

Venustus Cichlid juveniles are around 2 inches long (5 cm), but they can grow from 4 to 6 inches (10.2 cm to 15.2 cm) within 3 months. Some fish keepers report that their fish reach their full adult size within 9 months, but this is entirely down to their husbandry.

Venustus Cichlid Tank Size

Venustus Cichlid juveniles may be kept in a minimum 70 gallons (265 L) tank with 48″ x 18″ x 21” (122 L x 46 W x 53 H cm) dimensions, but fish keepers need to be aware of how quickly this species can grow. For mature Venustus Cichlids, a minimum tank of 125 gallons (473 L) is preferred with the standard dimension being 72″ L x 18″ W x 21″ H (183 L x 46 W x 53 H cm), as this will give them enough space to move around and avoid increased aggression.

Venustus Cichlid Food & Diet

Venustus Cichlids are categorised as carnivores, or more specifically – piscivores, meaning they will consume smaller fish in the wild. Aquarists must provide this fish a high-protein diet, however, it is best to avoid feeding them live fish as they can carry bacterial or parasitic infection which can harm Venustus Cichlids, who have no issues accepting dead/frozen food or vitamin-enriched pellets/flakes/granules. This species will eat a variety of: prawns, lancefish, whitebait, earthworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, minnows, krill, mosquito larvae, cockle and mussel meat. It is vital that Venustus Cichlids are provided a high quality diet, as they may consequently lose their colouration and patterns or even develop Malawi bloat. Sometimes this fish my nibble on the leaves of plants and accept vegetable foods, but the majority of their meals must consist of meat.

Why is my Venustus Cichlid not eating?

Female adult Venustus Cichlids who are incubating a batch of eggs or housing fry in their mouth, will not eat until the fry are released. It is important that females are fed a nutritious, meaty diet before they begin buccal incubation. If Venustus Cichlids are suffering from ailments, such as Malawi bloat or constipation, then they will refuse to eat or spit out food until this issue is addressed.

How often does Venustus Cichlid need to be fed?

Venustus Cichlids are eager eaters and opportunistic predators, so aquarists hoping to minimise their fish’s aggression should implement regular feeding into their schedule. Adult Venustus Cichlids will eat 3 to 4 times a day within 30 seconds.

Venustus Cichlid Lifespan

Venustus Cichlids can live up to 12 years, with their average life span being 10 years in captivity – provided that they are kept healthy.