Scientific name: Nimbochromis livingstonii

Common name: Marbled livingston’s hap

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 18 - 25 cm (7.09 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.8 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 24°N (178.57 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

In the wild, Marbled livingston’s hap will use a very unusual tactic to catch small fish, it will lay on its side and play dead until its prey is in range, then it will leap up and catch its target. In the aquarium this fish will eat quality flake and pellet foods along with treats of blood worm or brine shrimp.

Origin

Africa; Marbled livingston’s hap is found in Lake Malawi.

Sexing

Males are much more colourful than the females and they will display egg spots on their anal fin.

Breeding

Nimbochromis livingstonii are mouth brooders. When the fish have spawned, the female will scoop the eggs into her mouth and hide away while she is incubating them. After 2-3 weeks the fry should be released and they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Nimbochromis livingstonii is 8-10 years.

Short description

One male should be kept with several females in a tank that has plenty of rockwork for hiding places. Open swimming spaces should be left at the front of the tank.