Giraffe Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus)

Venustus Cichlid General Background The Venustus Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus) also known as the Giraffe Cichlid, is a popular freshwater fish endemic to Africa’s Lake Malawi. Other common names include Venustus Hap, Kalinga, Giraffe Cichlid, Giraffe Haplochromis, and Giraffe Hap. The male Venustus Cichlid will have a blue face with yellow markings across the head and dorsal fin and the female will generally be yellow with a pattern of darker, melanic blotches.  Growing to 9.8 inches (25 cm), a 125-gallon tank is required to provide this fish with ample swimming space. Water temperature should be kept at 22.8°C to 27.8°C. The ideal aquarium set up for the venustus Cichlid should have plenty of caves, hiding spots, and places to set up territories. Many pieces of stacked rock with a sandy aragonite-based substrate will also be needed to maintain the necessary high pH of 7.7-8.6 and alkalinity.  These Cichlids are sensitive to high levels of nitrates, and the water should therefor