Care
Nimobchromis venustus is a large-growing predatory species that requires a sizeable aquarium (at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft). In the wild, they ambush and feed on smaller fish, so this must be taken into account when choosing tankmates. They should only be housed with Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament, avoiding those other species which resemble themselves. Only one male of the species should ever be kept in the same aquarium, preferably along with one or two females. If kept as a single species tank, again, there should only be one male, but this time with four or more females. As mentioned above, these fish do reach a large size and require a decent amount of open swimming space and efficiently filtered water. In the wild, when they locate groups of small fish or fry, they are reported to partially submerge themselves into the sand where they will be well camouflaged; lying dormant until the chosen fish come within striking distance. A soft sand substrate should be provided in the aquarium, along with outcrops of rocks assembled here and there. Ensure these are very stable as Nimbochromis venustus will dig, and also make sure these outcrops are large enough for the fish to make proper use of. These will not only provide areas for the fish to retreat to should they feel the need, but large caves may even be used a spawning site. However, try to strike a balance and ensure that enough open swimming space is left in the centre of the tank. This species may also be kept alongside other large predatory Malawi cichlid species (although none that look similar) plus appropriately sized Synodontis catfish. May also be seen on sale as Giraffe Hap.
Feeding
Feed a varied diet including flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae, "cichlid mix" etc. Larger fish will take chopped prawns, cockle & mussel meat.
Breeding
Provide some flat pieces of slate near/in a large rocky cave, sheltered from areas of high flow. The eggs " numbering between 50 and 120 - will be externally fertilised, and the female will pick them up and incubate them in her mouth for approximately 21 days. Once the eggs have hatched, the female will hold the fry in her mouth for another 10 days or so prior to release. The larger the female, the more eggs she will be able to produce and mouthbrood. The moment that the fry are released, they will be at great risk from the attentions of the other tank inhabitants. So if you wish to raise a large number of young, as soon as they are released, it would be best to move them to a separate rearing tank to grow them on. Attempting to move a mouthbrooding female may result in her letting the developing eggs go too soon.
