Cichlid
Care basics
The livingstoni is a large Malawi hap with a bold, blotched pattern of brown and white patches. In the lake it lives alone and hunts small fish, so it is a striking but serious predator.
Keep one on its own, or a single male with several females if you plan to breed them. Give it rock caves, open swimming room, sand and gentle flow, and choose tank mates that are too big to fit in its mouth.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Nimbochromis livingstonii |
|---|---|
| Group | Lake Malawi hap/peacock |
| Native to | Lake Malawi, also Mozambique and Tanzania shores |
| Adult size | Up to about 10 inches, not counting the tail |
| Tank size | A tank at least 4 feet long and 18 inches front to back, larger for a harem |
| Temperature | 75 to 82 F |
| pH | 7.6 to 8.8, hard water |
| Temperament | A predator that will eat small mbuna and young fish, but is generally peaceful with fish too big to swallow. |
Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.
